strain

noun (1)

Save Word

\ ˈstrān

Definition of strain

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : 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 (such as a stock, line, or ecotype)

c : kind, sort discussions of a lofty strain

2a : inherited or inherent character, quality, or disposition a strain of weakness in the family

b : trace, streak a strain of fanaticism

3a : tune, air

b : a passage of verbal or musical expression

c : a stream or outburst of forceful or impassioned speech

4a : the tenor, pervading note, burden, or tone of an utterance or of a course of action or conduct

b : mood, temper

strain

verb

strained; straining; strains

Definition of strain (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

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

3 : to squeeze or clasp tightly: such as

a : hug

b : to compress painfully : constrict

4a : to cause to pass through a strainer : filter

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

intransitive verb

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

strain a point

: 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about strain

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for strain

Synonyms: Verb

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.

History and Etymology for strain

Noun (1)

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

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French estreindre, from Latin stringere to bind or draw tight, press together; akin to Greek strang-, stranx drop squeezed out, strangalē halter

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about strain

Dictionary Entries near strain

Statistics for strain

Cite this Entry

“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strain. Accessed 16 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for strain

strain

verb

English 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

\ ˈstrān

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

verb

strained; straining

Kids 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

noun

Kids 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

\ ˈstrān

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 verb

Medical 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

intransitive verb

: to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate —often used in the phrase strain at stool

strain

noun

Medical 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