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strain
/stɹeɪ̯n/
When used as a verb for muscles, it usually describes an accidental injury caused by overstretching. In the context of cooking (filtering liquids), it is a common everyday term and not formal. As a noun referring to biology or viruses, it is almost always used with 'of' (e.g., "a strain of bacteria"). When describing mental or emotional pressure, 'strain' is often uncountable.
💬Casual Conversation
i think i actually strain my eyes staring at this thesis for 8 hours. im cooked.
damn that's crazy. bet you need a nap.
Meanings
To force something to make an unusually great effort or to stretch a muscle beyond its limits.
"He managed to strain his back while lifting the heavy crate."
To pass a liquid through a sieve or filter to remove solid particles.
"Strain the pasta using a colander before serving."
To make a great effort to do something, often in a way that causes tension.
"She had to strain to hear the whisper over the noise of the crowd."
Examples
Don't strain the pasta too fast, it is boiling!
I think I might strain my back moving this couch.
Wait, let me strain the seeds out of this juice.
I can't believe the strain this job puts on my marriage.
Is it a new strain of flu? I feel terrible!
I had to strain just to hear you over that music.
Careful, don't strain your wrist with those heavy weights.
The financial strain is just too much for us now.
Just strain the broth and pour it into the bowl.
I'm worried this new strain will spread through the dorm.