Strain: meaning, definitions and examples

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strain

[ streɪn ]

^{Context #1}

medical

A genetic variant or subtype of a microorganism or virus.

Synonyms

mutation, subtype, variant

Examples of usage

The new strain of the virus is more contagious than the previous one.
Scientists are studying the genetic makeup of the strain to develop a vaccine.

^{Context #2}

physics

The deformation of a physical body under the action of external forces.

Synonyms

deformation, pressure, stress

Examples of usage

The strain on the bridge was too much to bear, leading to its collapse.
Materials exhibit different levels of strain under stress.

^{Context #3}

general

To exert oneself to the utmost.

Synonyms

effort, exert, push

Examples of usage

She could feel herself straining to lift the heavy weight.
He strained his muscles trying to reach the top shelf.

Translations

Translations of the word "strain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tensão

🇮🇳 तनाव

🇩🇪 Belastung

🇮🇩 tekanan

🇺🇦 навантаження

🇵🇱 napięcie

🇯🇵 ストレイン

🇫🇷 tension

🇪🇸 tensión

🇹🇷 gerilim

🇰🇷 스트레인

🇸🇦 توتر

🇨🇿 napětí

🇸🇰 napätie

🇨🇳 应变

🇸🇮 napetost

🇮🇸 spenna

🇰🇿 қысым

🇬🇪 დაბრკოლება

🇦🇿 gərginlik

🇲🇽 tensión

Word origin

The word 'strain' has a rich history, originating from the Old French word 'estreindre', meaning 'tighten, press together'. Over time, it evolved to refer to various forms of pressure, stress, or effort. In modern usage, 'strain' is commonly used in medical, scientific, and everyday contexts to describe genetic variants, physical deformation, or exertion.

See also: strained, strainer, strainers, straining.