Entry Word: ¹strain

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended <descended from a strain of Irish seafarers> — see ancestry
2 a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect <the strain of an old Irish tune rose up from the revelers downstairs> — see melody
3 a very small amount <detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous> — see particle 1