temporal vein

noun

: any of several veins draining the temporal region: as

a(1)

: a large vein on each side of the head that is formed by anterior and posterior tributaries from the scalp and adjacent parts, receives the middle temporal vein, and unites with the maxillary vein to form a vein that contributes to the formation of the external jugular vein

called also superficial temporal vein

(2)

: a vein that drains the lateral orbital region and empties into the superficial temporal vein just above the zygomatic arch

called also middle temporal vein

b

: any of several veins arising from behind the temporalis and emptying into the pterygoid plexus

called also deep temporal vein