strain
noun
1. (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
Definition categories: phenomenon, deformation
2. difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension
- she endured the stresses and strains of life
Similar word(s): stress
Definition categories: state, difficulty
3. a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
Similar word(s): air, line, melody, tune
Definition categories: communication, music
4. (psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress
- his responsibilities were a constant strain
- the mental strain of staying alert hour after hour was too much for him
Definition categories: state, nerves, nervousness
5. a special variety of domesticated animals within a species
- he created a new strain of sheep
Definition categories: group, variety
6. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
- a new strain of microorganisms
Similar word(s): form, variant
Definition categories: group, taxon
7. injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse); results in swelling and pain
Definition categories: state, harm, hurt, injury, trauma
8. the general meaning or substance of an utterance
Similar word(s): tenor
Definition categories: thought, meaning, substance
9. an effortful attempt to attain a goal
Similar word(s): nisus, pains, striving
Definition categories: act, attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try
10. an intense or violent exertion
Similar word(s): straining
Definition categories: act, effort, exertion, sweat, travail
11. the act of singing
Similar word(s): song
Definition categories: act
Sentences with strain as a noun:
- There is a strain of madness in her family.
- They say this year's flu virus is a particularly virulent strain.
- he jumped up with a strain;
verb
1. to exert much effort or energy
- straining our ears to hear
Similar word(s): reach, strive
Definition categories: competition, drive, labor, labour, push, tug
2. test the limits of
Definition categories: emotion, afflict
3. use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity
- Don't strain your mind too much
Similar word(s): extend
Definition categories: consumption, apply, employ, use, utilise, utilize
4. separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
Definition categories: contact, separate
5. cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
Similar word(s): tense
Definition categories: body, affect
6. become stretched or tense or taut
- the rope strained when the weight was attached
Similar word(s): tense
Definition categories: contact, tighten
7. remove by passing through a filter
Similar word(s): filter, filtrate
Definition categories: contact, separate
8. rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
Similar word(s): puree
Definition categories: contact, rub
9. alter the shape of (something) by stress
Similar word(s): deform, distort
Definition categories: change, form, shape
Sentences with strain as a verb:
- to strain a rope; to strain the shrouds of a ship
- Relations between the United States and Guatemala traditionally have been close, although at times strained by human rights and civil/military issues.
- The gale strained the timbers of the ship.
- Sitting in back, I strained to hear the speaker.
- to strain the law in order to convict an accused person
- water straining through a sandy soil
- to strain a petition or invitation