Definition of strain
1a : lineage, ancestryb : 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 familyb : trace, streak a strain of fanaticism
3a : tune, airb : a passage of verbal or musical expressionc : 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 conductb : mood, temper
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Origin and Etymology of strain
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
Other Biology Terms
strain
Definition of strain
transitive verb
1a : to draw tight : cause to fit firmly strain the bandage over the woundb : to stretch to maximum extension and tautness strain a canvas over a frame
2a : to exert (oneself, one's senses, etc.) to the utmostb : to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure strained his backc : to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
3 : to squeeze or clasp tightly: such asa : hugb : to compress painfully : constrict
4a : to cause to pass through a strainer : filterb : 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 notesb : to pull against resistance a dog straining at its leashc : 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
strain a point
Examples of strain in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of strain
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
strain
Definition of strain
1 : an act of straining or the condition of being strained: such asa : 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 strainb : excessive or difficult exertion or laborc : excessive physical or mental tension; also : a force, influence, or factor causing such tension a strain on the marriaged : 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
STRAIN Defined for English Language Learners
strain
Definition of strain for English Language Learners
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: to injure (a body part or muscle) by too much tension, use, or effort
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: to try very hard to do or get something
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: to be pulled or stretched in a forceful way
STRAIN Defined for Kids
Definition of strain for Students
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.
Definition of strain for Students
strained
;straining
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.
Definition of strain for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of strain
: a group of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut physiological but usually not morphological distinctions a highly virulent strain of bacteria
strain
Medical Definition of strain
1a: to exert (as oneself) to the utmostb: to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure strained his heart by overworkc: 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
Medical Definition of strain
: an act of straining or the condition of being strained: asa: excessive physical or mental tension; also : a force, influence, or factor causing such tensionb: 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 sprainc: deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces
Learn More about strain
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See words that rhyme with strain Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for strain Spanish Central: Translation of strain Nglish: Translation of strain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of strain for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strain
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