strain
strain Lexical Profile
strain Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A state of severe mental, emotional, or physical tension, pressure, or exertion.
"The prolonged financial crisis put a heavy strain on the small family business."
An injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching or excessive physical effort.
"The sprinter was forced to withdraw from the championship due to a hamstring strain."
A distinct genetic variant, breed, or subtype of a microorganism, plant, or animal.
"Researchers in the laboratory identified a new drug-resistant strain of the influenza virus."
A passage of music, a melody, or a particular tone or tendency in speech, writing, or character.
"The soft strains of a classical violin drifted through the open courtyard window."
• verb
To exert oneself or a bodily part to the utmost, or to make a strenuous and continuous effort.
"She had to strain her eyes to read the faded inscription in the dim candlelight."
To injure a muscle, tendon, or body part by overexerting or twisting it.
"He managed to strain his lower back while lifting the heavy wooden crate."
To pour a liquid or mixture through a sieve, colander, or mesh to separate solid particles from liquid.
"Once the pasta is tender, strain the boiling water into the kitchen sink."
To subject a relationship, resource, or system to severe pressure or excessive demands.
"Frequent disagreements over the budget began to strain the partnership between the two founders."
Word Nuance & Usage
In medicine, do not confuse a 'strain' (an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching) with a 'sprain' (an injury to a ligament connecting bones at a joint).
• Rhymes for strain
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The senses relating to tension, exertion, and filtering come via Old French 'estreindre' from Latin 'stringere' ('to draw tight or bind'), whereas the biological sense meaning 'lineage or breed' derives independently from Old English 'strēon' ('gain, acquisition, or procreation').