strain :

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strain

strayn

  • n  (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
  • n  difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension
    she endured the stresses and strains of life
  • n  a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • n  (psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress
    his responsibilities were a constant strain
    the mental strain of staying alert hour after hour was too much for him
  • n  a special variety of domesticated animals within a species
    he created a new strain of sheep
  • n  (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
    a new strain of microorganisms
  • n  injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse); results in swelling and pain
  • n  the general meaning or substance of an utterance
  • n  an effortful attempt to attain a goal
  • n  an intense or violent exertion
  • n  the act of singing
  • v  to exert much effort or energy
    straining our ears to hear
  • v  test the limits of
  • v  use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity
    Don't strain your mind too much
  • v  separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
  • v  cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
  • v  become stretched or tense or taut
    "the rope strained when the weight was attached
  • v  remove by passing through a filter
  • v  rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
  • v  alter the shape of (something) by stress

  • The virulent H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed as the source of a bird flu outbreak on an English farm.
  • The study also finds that the resistant strain did not arise from overuse of Tamiflu; in fact, during the past flu season, the resistant strain was found widely in countries with .
  • The current vaccine is designed to offer some protection against the Tamiflu-resistant strain.
Quotes

  • Peter Schoomaker in International Herald Tribune
    Over the last five years, the sustained strategic demand ...... is placing a strain on the Army's all-volunteer force,Schoomaker told the commission in a Capitol Hill hearing.
  • LaDainian Tomlinson in San Francisco Chronicle
    If it was a strain I'd be able to play with it, trust me,Tomlinson said. "A lot of guys have strains."
  • David Beckham in Yahoo! Eurosport
    It's just gone from one thing to another thing,said Beckham. "Maybe it's time for me to just say, 'I need the rest,' and get it right and don't come back until it's right. It doesn't feel good. With a ligament strain it is four to six...

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