Definition of "bleeder" [bleed•er]

• A person, such as a hemophiliac, who bleeds freely or is subject to frequent hemorrhages. (noun)
• Slang A blood vessel from which there is uncontrolled bleeding. (noun)
• A blood vessel severed by trauma or surgery that requires cautery or ligature to arrest the flow of blood. (noun)
• A person who draws blood from another; a phlebotomist. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "TODD: McElprang says that miners should also try to find what they call bleeder tunnels that are designed to let dangerous gases escape."
• "TODD (on camera): McElprang says the trapped miners should also try to find what they call bleeder tunnels that are designed to let dangerous gases escape."
• "TODD: McElprang says the trapped miners should also try to find what they call bleeder tunnels that are designed to let dangerous gases escape, and this is all in the event that the miners are not injured or in shell shock."