strain (Noun) — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces.
strain (Noun) — Difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension. ex. "she endured the stresses and strains of life"
strain (Noun) — A succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence.
strain (Noun) — (psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress. ex. "his responsibilities were a constant strain" ex. "the mental strain of staying alert hour after hour was too much for him" ex. "his responsibilities were a constant nervous strain"
strain (Noun) — A special variety of domesticated animals within a species. ex. "he created a new strain of sheep"
strain (Noun) — (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups. ex. "a new strain of microorganisms"
strain (Noun) — Injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse); results in swelling and pain.
strain (Noun) — The general meaning or substance of an utterance. ex. "although I disagreed with him I could follow the strain of his argument"
strain (Noun) — An effortful attempt to attain a goal.
strain (Noun) — An intense or violent exertion.
strain (Noun) — The act of singing. ex. "with a shout and a strain they marched up to the gates"
strain (Verb) — To exert much effort or energy. ex. "straining our ears to hear"
strain (Verb) — Test the limits of. ex. "You are straining my patience!"
strain (Verb) — Use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity. ex. "Don't strain your mind too much"
strain (Verb) — Separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements. ex. "strain the flour"
strain (Verb) — Cause to be tense and uneasy, nervous or anxious.
strain (Verb) — Become stretched, tense or taut. ex. "the rope strained when the weight was attached"
strain (Verb) — Remove by passing through a filter. ex. "strain out the impurities"
strain (Verb) — (cooking) rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender. ex. "strain the vegetables for the baby"
strain (Verb) — Alter the shape of (something) by stress.