Strain Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/streɪn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Definition

A strain is a particular variety of a plant, animal, or microorganism, or a feeling of tension or pressure, often caused by excessive effort or difficulty. As a verb, to strain means to pull or stretch something tightly, or to make an effort to do something difficult.

Examples

• The new strain of wheat is resistant to disease.
• She strained her back lifting the heavy box.

Synonyms

• Variety
• Tension
• Exertion

Antonyms

• Relaxation
• Leisure

Additional Information

In the context of biology, a strain refers to a subgroup of a particular species that has distinct characteristics. For example, there are many different strains of the influenza virus, each with its own unique characteristics. In a more general sense, strain can also refer to a feeling of tension or pressure, often caused by excessive effort or difficulty. This can be physical, such as straining a muscle, or mental, such as straining to meet a deadline. As a verb, to strain means to pull or stretch something tightly, or to make an effort to do something difficult.

In medicine, a strain is often used to describe a muscle or tendon injury caused by overstretching or overexertion. This can be a common problem for athletes or individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity. In addition to its physical connotations, strain can also be used to describe a mental or emotional state of being. For example, someone might say “I’m feeling strained today” to indicate that they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

In science, a strain is often used to describe a particular variety of a microorganism, such as a strain of bacteria or a strain of yeast. This can be an important concept in fields such as microbiology or genetics, where understanding the differences between different strains of an organism can be crucial for developing effective treatments or therapies.

Etymology

The word “strain” comes from the Old French word “estraignier,” which means “to stretch or tighten.” This is derived from the Latin word “stringere,” which means “to draw tight” or “to stretch.” The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a variety of concepts, including physical tension, mental effort, and biological classification.

Usage Notes

The word “strain” can be used in a variety of contexts, from biology and medicine to everyday conversation. When using the word, it’s essential to consider the intended meaning and ensure that it is clear from the context.

Cultural References

The word “strain” has been referenced in popular culture in a variety of ways. For example, in the movie “The Matrix,” the main character Neo is said to have a special “strain” of DNA that makes him the chosen one. In music, the phrase “strain of madness” has been used in several song titles to describe a state of mental or emotional turmoil.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Strain every nerve” (to make a great effort to do something)
• “Strain at the leash” (to be eager to start something)
• “Strain the truth” (to exaggerate or distort the truth)

Related Words or Phrases

• Variety
• Tension
• Exertion
• Effort

Collocations

• Strain of bacteria
• Strain of wheat
• Strain on the relationship
• Strain of madness

Frequency of Use

The word “strain” is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 1.5 per 10,000 words in written English.

Common Misspellings

• Straine
• Strayn
• Straind