n. 1. a. The metalliferous ore that fills a fissure in a rock formation. b. A vein of mineral ore deposited between clearly demarcated layers of rock. Also called lead1. 2. A rich source or supply: found a lode of important documents in the archives. [Middle English, way, load, from Old English lād, way; see leit- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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