strain

noun (1)

\ 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

strain

Definition of strain

WORD OF THE DAY