1.
ore vein; mineral vein; lode
A streak of ore or mineral running through surrounding rock. Also used figuratively for a rich source of something valuable, such as information or talent.
金の鉱脈を発見した。
They discovered a gold vein.
この山には銅の鉱脈がある。
There is a copper vein in this mountain.
新たな鉱脈を掘り当てた鉱山は活気を取り戻した。
The mine that struck a new vein regained its vitality.
Composed of 鉱 (mineral) + 脈 (vein, line).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 金の鉱脈: gold vein
- 鉱脈を発見する: to discover a vein
- 鉱脈を掘り当てる: to strike a vein
FIGURATIVE USE:
Often used metaphorically for a rich, untapped source — e.g., 情報の鉱脈 (a goldmine of information), 才能の鉱脈 (a vein of talent).