strain
noun (1)
\
Definition of strain
(Entry 1 of 3)
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 (such as a stock, line, or ecotype)
2a : inherited or inherent character, quality, or disposition a strain of weakness in the family
b : a passage of verbal or musical expression
c : a stream or outburst of forceful or impassioned speech
strain
verbDefinition of strain (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : to draw tight : cause to fit firmly strain the bandage over the wound
b : to stretch to maximum extension and tautness strain a canvas over a frame
2a : to exert (oneself, one's senses, etc.) to the utmost
b : to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure strained his back
c : to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
b : to remove by straining strain lumps out of the gravy
5 : to stretch beyond a proper limit that story strains my credulity
6 obsolete : to squeeze out : extort
1a : to make violent efforts : strive has to strain to reach the high notes
b : to pull against resistance a dog straining at its leash
c : to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate —often used in the phrase strain at stool
2 : to pass through or as if through a strainer the liquid strains readily
3 : to make great difficulty or resistance : balk
: to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule
strain
noun (2)Definition of strain (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : an act of straining or the condition of being strained: such 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
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of strain in a Sentence
Verb
I strained my back trying to lift the couch. Too much computer work strains the eyes. He strained a muscle in his leg. His muscles strained under the heavy weight.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for strain
strain
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of strain
: to injure (a body part or muscle) by too much tension, use, or effort
: to try very hard to do or get something
: to be pulled or stretched in a forceful way
See the full definition for strain in the English Language Learners Dictionary
strain
noun
\
Kids Definition of strain
(Entry 1 of 3)
1 : a group of closely related living things that look similar but possess one or more unique characteristics Scientists are developing a new strain of wheat.
2 : a quality or disposition that runs through a family or group There's a strain of genius in that family.
3 : a small amount : trace There was a strain of sadness in his voice.
4 : melody sense 2, tune
strain
verbKids Definition of strain (Entry 2 of 3)
1 : to stretch or be stretched, pulled, or used to the limit My muscles strained under the load.
2 : to stretch beyond a proper limit The story strains the truth.
3 : to try very hard : make a great effort People in the back strained to hear.
4 : to injure or be injured by too much or too hard use or effort Don't strain your back.
5 : to press or pass through a strainer : filter strain juice
6 : to pour off liquid from by using a strainer Boil and then strain the pasta.
strain
nounKids Definition of strain (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : great worry and concern or physical effort Perhaps, the pressures of everyday stress and strain had gotten her down.— E. L. Konigsburg, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
2 : something that causes great worry and concern or physical effort Running the business was a strain on him. The heavy load was a strain on her back.
3 : bodily injury resulting from too much use or from a wrench or twist that stretches muscles and ligaments
4 : a force that pulls or stretches something to its limit : stress
strain
noun
\
Medical Definition of strain
(Entry 1 of 3)
: a group of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut physiological but usually not morphological distinctions a highly virulent strain of bacteria
strain
transitive verbMedical Definition of strain (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : to exert (as oneself) to the utmost
b : to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure strained his heart by overwork
c : to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
2 : to cause to pass through a strainer
: to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate —often used in the phrase strain at stool
strain
nounMedical Definition of strain (Entry 3 of 3)
: an act of straining or the condition of being strained: as
a : excessive physical or mental tension also : a force, influence, or factor causing such tension
b : 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 — compare sprain
c : deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on strain
What made you want to look up strain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Find the Cousins
-
- Which pair shares a common word ancestor?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share strain
Resources for strain