string

¹string

noun \ˈstriŋ\

Definition of STRING

1

a : a cord usually used to bind, fasten, or tie —often used attributively <a string bag> b : something that resembles a string <garnished with potato strings>

2

a archaic : a cord (as a tendon or ligament) of an animal body b : a plant fiber (as a leaf vein)

3

a : the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument b plural (1) : the stringed instruments of an orchestra (2) : the players of such instruments

4

: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow

5

a : a group of objects threaded on a string <a string of fish> <a string of pearls> b (1) : a series of things arranged in or as if in a line <a string of cars> <a string of names> (2) : a sequence of like items (as bits, characters, or words) c : a group of business properties scattered geographically <a string of newspapers> d : the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual

6

a : a means of recourse : expedient b : a group of players ranked according to skill or proficiency

7

: succession 3a <a string of successes>

8

: one of the inclined sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers

9

a : balkline 1 b : the action of lagging for break in billiards

10

: line 13

11

plural a : contingent conditions or obligations b : control, domination

12

: a hypothetical one-dimensional object that is infinitely thin but has a length of 10⁻³³ centimeters, that vibrates as it moves through space, and whose mode of vibration manifests itself as a subatomic particle

— string·less \ˈstriŋ-ləs\ adjective

— on the string

: subject to one's influences

Examples of STRING

1. She tied a string around the boxes.
2. He tied the packages together with string.

Origin of STRING

Middle English, from Old English streng; akin to Old High German strang rope, Latin stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STRING

Synonyms: cable, lace, lacing, line, rope, cord, wire

Related Words: guy, halyard, lanyard, stay; bungee cord, whipcord

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with STRING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, swing, thing, wing, wring, zing