strain

³strain

noun

Definition of STRAIN

1

: an act of straining or the condition of being strained: as a : bodily injury from excessive tension, effort, or use <heart strain>; especially : one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving undue stretching of muscles or ligaments <back strain> b : excessive or difficult exertion or labor c : excessive physical or mental tension; also : a force, influence, or factor causing such tension <a strain on the marriage> d : deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces

2

: an unusual reach, degree, or intensity : pitch

3

archaic : a strained interpretation of something said or written

First Known Use of STRAIN

1558