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strain

/stɹeɪ̯n/

The dominant image is one of tensiona physical or psychological stretching to the absolute limit. It suggests a state where something is barely holding together or is being pushed just beyond its capacity, often implying an imminent risk of breaking or injury. In a biological context, it shifts from 'tension' to 'lineage,' describing a specific branch of a species. Here, it refers to the subtle differences that make one version of a virus or bacteria distinct from another. When used for liquids, the meaning is purely mechanical: forcing a substance through a barrier to separate components. This usage lacks the emotional or physical stress associated with the other meanings.

💬Trò chuyện

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in the university library while Ryan is at home gaming.
Chloe Smith

i think i actually strain my eyes staring at this thesis for 8 hours. im cooked.

Chloe Smith
Ryan
Ryan

damn that's crazy. bet you need a nap.

💡
Chloe uses 'strain' to describe the physical tension in her eyes from overwork. She employs the slang term 'im cooked' to signal she is completely exhausted or defeated, while Ryan responds with his characteristic obliviousness and the slang 'bet' to acknowledge her situation without providing emotional support.

Ý nghĩa

verb (transitive)

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."

verb (transitive)

To pass a liquid through a sieve or filter to remove solid particles.

"Strain the pasta using a colander before serving."

verb (intransitive)

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."

noun

A force tending to pull or stretch something to an extreme or damaging degree.

"The heavy load put a great deal of strain on the suspension bridge."

noun

A genetic variant, subtype, or selective breed of a microorganism.

"Scientists have identified a new strain of the influenza virus."

Ví dụ

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.

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026Report an Error