English-English Dictionary

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/
"strain" picture

Noun

1.

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:
tensionstresspressureburdenpull
2.

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:
breedvarietytypekindspecies

Verb

1.

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:
exertstrivetoilstruggleendeavor
2.

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:
filtersievedrainpurifyseparate
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Related Word:
repetitive strain injury