A variant spelling of 'fen', referring to a type of wetland with alkaline, nutrient-rich water. Can also be a prefix meaning 'vein' in medical terminology.
As a wetland term, from Old English 'fenn' meaning marsh or bog. As a medical prefix, from Latin 'vena' meaning vein. The spelling 'ven' represents dialectical or specialized usage.
Fens and vens are ecologically distinct from bogs - they're fed by groundwater rich in minerals, supporting different plant communities. The famous Fens of eastern England were largely drained for agriculture, creating some of the most fertile farmland in Europe.
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