Strain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended

"descended from a strain of Irish seafarers"

a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect

"the strain of an old Irish ballad rose up from the revelers downstairs"

a very small amount

"detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous"

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common

"writes mystery novels of a more sophisticated strain"

the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time

"the family's constant moving is putting a real strain on the children"

to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure

"in order to lift something heavy, squat down and lift with your legs, or you'll strain your back"

to pass through a filter

"better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out"

to devote serious and sustained effort

"the whole department is straining to complete the project before the deadline"

to flow forth slowly through small openings

"put the cooked fruit in a cheesecloth bag and let the juice strain into a pan"

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress

"strained her memory but the name just wouldn't come to her"

to draw tight

"the dog strained its leash trying to get to the cat"

to put one's arms around and press tightly

"the woman tenderly strained to her breast the child that she had long ago given up for dead"