STRAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Strain can be defined as the act of exerting force, pressure, or tension on something, or the resulting effect of that force. It refers to the condition of being stretched, pulled, or stressed beyond the typical limits or capacity of an object or material. In mechanics and physics, strain is often used to describe the deformation or change in shape that occurs when an object is subjected to stress.
In biology, strain is used to describe a subtype or variant of a microorganism or virus. Different strains may have genetic variations or distinct characteristics that set them apart from other members of the same species. Strain can also refer to the act of cultivating or isolating specific organisms to create new varieties or to study their behavior.
In the medical field, strain is commonly used to describe an injury or damage to muscles or tendons resulting from overstretching or excessive use. This can occur due to sudden movements, repetitive motions, or lifting heavy objects improperly, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced function in the affected area.
In social contexts, strain can refer to the stress or pressure experienced by individuals or groups due to challenging or difficult circumstances. This can include psychological strain resulting from emotional or mental burdens, as well as social strain arising from interpersonal conflicts or societal pressures.
Overall, strain encompasses various meanings depending on the subject matter, but it generally refers to the effect of force, pressure, or tension on a physical, biological, or social entity.
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1. A race or stock; said of bacteria or protozoa derived from a definite source and preserved in successive cultures or by successive animal inoculations. 2. An hereditary tendency.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• To extend with great effort; to injure or weaken by stretching or overtasking; to put to the utmost strength; to make strait or tense; to make violent efforts; to press or squeeze, as in an embrace; to purify by passing through a filter or some porous substance; to filter.
• A violent effort; an injury by excessive exertion; the force exerted on a substance tending to cause it to rupture or break; continued manner of speaking or writing; a song; part of a tune or musical composition; manner of speech or action; tendency.
• Race; blood; breeding; character; hereditary disposition; in Scot., resemblance of the features, as he has a strain of his grandfather-that is, he resembles him.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for STRAIN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for STRAIN
Etymology of STRAIN
The word "strain" has a complex etymology with multiple influences. It can be traced back to Middle English and Old French, and ultimately to Latin and Greek roots.
The Middle English word "strain" comes from the Old French "estreindre", which means "to strain, tighten". This, in turn, came from the Latin word "stringere", meaning "to draw tight, bind".
The Latin "stringere" also gave rise to the word "strinum" in Latin, which means "a string, cord". The word "string" in English is derived from this Latin term.
Furthermore, the Greek influence on the word "strain" is seen in the Greek word "strenos", meaning "tight", which is related to the Indo-European root "strenos", meaning "tight, narrow".
Idioms with the word STRAIN
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strain for an effect
"Strain for an effect" is an idiom that refers to putting excessive effort or exerting oneself to achieve a desired outcome. It implies trying too hard or pushing beyond one's limits in order to create a specific impression or result. This idiom often suggests that the effort put in is not natural or genuine, and instead may appear forced or unauthentic.
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strain every nerve/sinew
The idiom "strain every nerve/sinew" means to make an extreme effort or do everything possible to achieve a goal or complete a task. It implies exerting oneself to the utmost capacity, often in challenging or difficult circumstances, in order to accomplish something significant.
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strain sth through sth
The idiom "strain sth through sth" means to filter or separate something by passing it through a sieve, strainer, or similar tool in order to remove any solid particles, impurities, or unwanted elements. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the process of refining or purifying something, often by removing unnecessary or undesirable components.
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strain after sth
The idiom "strain after something" typically refers to the continuous and often excessive effort put into achieving or obtaining something, often with great difficulty or without success. It implies a strong desire or pursuit of something beyond one's reach or capacity, resulting in physical, mental, or emotional strain.
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strain at gnats and swallow camels
The idiom "strain at gnats and swallow camels" means to focus excessively on minor or trivial matters while neglecting or easily accepting much larger, more important issues. It implies someone's tendency to make a big deal out of insignificant details while overlooking significant problems or inconsistencies.
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don't strain yourself
The idiom "don't strain yourself" is a sarcastic or humorous way of telling someone not to exert too much effort or work too hard in a particular situation. It implies that the task at hand is not worth excessive effort and it is unnecessary to exert oneself beyond what is reasonable.
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strain after
The idiom "strain after" refers to making excessive efforts or exerting oneself greatly in pursuit of something. It implies putting too much pressure or stress on oneself to achieve a goal or desire.
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strain every nerve
The idiom "strain every nerve" means to make an utmost effort or work as hard as possible to achieve a goal or overcome a difficulty.
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strain after/for effect
The idiom "strain after/for effect" is used to describe someone who is trying too hard or making excessive efforts to achieve a desired effect or outcome. It refers to a person who goes to great lengths or exaggerates their actions in order to make an impression or create an impact, often resulting in it appearing forced or unnatural.
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creak under the strain
The idiom "creak under the strain" refers to a situation where something or someone is under a lot of pressure, stress, or burden, and is starting to show signs of weakness or vulnerability. It implies that the person, system, or object can no longer handle the pressure and is on the verge of collapsing or failing.
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strain every nerve/sinew (to do something)
The idiom "strain every nerve/sinew (to do something)" refers to putting maximum effort, energy, or strength into accomplishing a particular task or achieving a desired outcome. It implies exerting oneself to the utmost limits in order to achieve success, going above and beyond normal capabilities.
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strain at the leash
The idiom "strain at the leash" refers to someone or something being eager, impatient, or restless, and wanting to be free or take action. It originally comes from the behavior of an excited dog pulling on its leash, unable to contain its enthusiasm or desire to move forward. In a figurative sense, it describes a situation where someone or something is eager to engage in a particular activity or make progress, but is being held back or restrained.
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put a strain on sm or sth
The idiom "put a strain on someone or something" means to cause excessive stress, burden, or pressure on a person or a situation. It implies that the person or thing is being pushed beyond its capability or capacity, leading to difficulties or negative consequences.
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place a strain on
The idiom "place a strain on" means to put pressure or burden on someone or something, which can cause tension, stress, or difficulty in handling a situation.
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strain away (at sth)
The idiom "strain away at something" means to exert a considerable amount of effort or energy in attempting to accomplish or achieve something. It implies a persistent and determined approach towards a particular task or goal, usually despite challenges or obstacles. It suggests putting in continuous and strenuous effort, often characterized by a sense of endurance and perseverance.
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place a strain on sm or sth
The idiom "place a strain on someone or something" means to cause tension, stress, or pressure on a person or thing. It refers to a situation or action that significantly burdens or overtaxes someone or something, making it difficult for them to handle or function properly.
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crack under the strain
The idiom "crack under the strain" means to break down emotionally or mentally due to extreme pressure, stress, or strain. It implies that a person's ability to cope or handle a difficult situation deteriorates until they reach a breaking point.
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strain at a gnat
The idiom "strain at a gnat" means to focus on or overly concern oneself with minor or insignificant details, while ignoring or neglecting more important matters. It refers to the act of putting excessive effort or attention into something trivial.
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strain away
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strain sth off of sth
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strain through
Similar spelling words for STRAIN
- staringly,
- stringer,
- storms,
- strings,
- stormy,
- strangles,
- storm,
- Stearn,
- sterne,
- straying,
- Strang,
- sternum,
- sternpost,
- sternness,
- stirring,
- staring,
- starring,
- straining,
- starner,
- sturnus,
- strangler,
- stranded,
- steering,
- stern,
- sturnella,
- sturnidae,
- stranger,
- stringent,
- strangely,
- Strawn,
- strawman,
- sternly,
- string up,
- styrene,
- sterns,
- Strine,
- sterninae,
- stringy,
- Sterner,
- Sternberg,
- styron,
- Strahan,
- sturman,
- stearman,
- Stearns,
- starnes,
- strainer,
- starns,
- strange,
- strangled,
- strand,
- storment,
- Sternisha,
- stormily,
- strahm,
- strangle,
- Sturm,
- Stransky,
- Storino,
- sterna,
- stearin,
- strewing,
- strained,
- Stromain,
- sternal,
- stormable,
- Storing,
- string,
- stringham.
Conjugate verb Strain
CONDITIONAL
I
would strain
you
would strain
he/she/it
would strain
we
would strain
they
would strain
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be straining
you
would be straining
he/she/it
would be straining
we
would be straining
they
would be straining
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have strain
you
would have strain
he/she/it
would have strain
we
would have strain
they
would have strain
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been straining
you
would have been straining
he/she/it
would have been straining
we
would have been straining
they
would have been straining
FUTURE
I
will strain
you
will strain
he/she/it
will strain
we
will strain
they
will strain
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be straining
you
will be straining
he/she/it
will be straining
we
will be straining
they
will be straining
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have strained
you
will have strained
he/she/it
will have strained
we
will have strained
they
will have strained
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been straining
you
will have been straining
he/she/it
will have been straining
we
will have been straining
they
will have been straining
IMPERATIVE
you
strain
we
let´s strain
to strain
PAST
I
strained
you
strained
he/she/it
strained
we
strained
they
strained
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was straining
you
were straining
he/she/it
was straining
we
were straining
they
were straining
PAST PARTICIPLE
strained
PAST PERFECT
I
had strained
you
had strained
he/she/it
had strained
we
had strained
they
had strained
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been straining
you
had been straining
he/she/it
had been straining
we
had been straining
they
had been straining
PRESENT
I
strain
you
strain
he/she/it
strains
we
strain
they
strain
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am straining
you
are straining
he/she/it
is straining
we
are straining
they
are straining
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
straining
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have strained
you
have strained
he/she/it
has strained
we
have strained
they
have strained
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been straining
you
have been straining
he/she/it
has been straining
we
have been straining
they
have been straining
I
would have strained
we
would have strained
you
would have strained
he/she/it
would have strained
they
would have strained
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