strain

16 ENTRIES FOUND:

1strain

noun \ˈstrān\

Definition of STRAIN

1
a : lineage, ancestry b : a group of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut physiological but usually not morphological distinctions <a high-yielding strain of winter wheat>; broadly : a specified infraspecific group (as a stock, line, or ecotype) c : kind, sort <discussions of a lofty strain>
2
a : inherited or inherent character, quality, or disposition <a strain of madness in the family> b : trace, streak <a strain of fanaticism>
3
a : tune, air b : a passage of verbal or musical expression c : a stream or outburst of forceful or impassioned speech
4
a : the tenor, pervading note, burden, or tone of an utterance or of a course of action or conduct b : mood, temper

Origin of STRAIN

Middle English streen progeny, lineage, from Old English strēon gain, acquisition; akin to Old High German gistriuni gain, Latin struere to heap up — more at strew
First Known Use: 13th century

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

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