Meaning of the word strain in English

What does strain mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

strain

US /streɪn/

UK /streɪn/

a force tending to pull or stretch something to an extreme degree

Example:

•

The constant pressure put a lot of strain on the bridge.

•

He felt a strain in his back after lifting the heavy box.

Synonym:

tension stress pressure burden pull

a particular breed, variety, or group of animals or plants

Example:

•

This new strain of wheat is resistant to disease.

•

Scientists are studying a new strain of bacteria.

Synonym:

breed variety type kind species

to make a strenuous or unusually great effort

Example:

•

He had to strain to hear the faint whisper.

•

Don't strain your eyes by reading in the dark.

Synonym:

exert strive toil struggle endeavor

to pour (a liquid) through a permeable material in order to separate out suspended matter

Example:

•

Please strain the pasta before serving.

•

She used a sieve to strain the soup.

Synonym:

filter sieve drain purify separate