Strainers: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used for tools that separate liquid from solid food.

• We need some strainers to get rid of the excess water from the pasta.
• The kitchen has different types of strainers for various cooking tasks.

A tool with a fine mesh, used to separate smaller particles from larger ones or to sift flour.

• Use a sieve to remove lumps from the flour before baking.
• She used a sieve to strain the seeds out of the raspberry sauce.

Usually a bowl-shaped tool with holes, specifically used for draining liquids from pasta or rinsing vegetables.

• The colander is perfect for straining spaghetti after it's cooked.
• Rinse the lettuce in the colander before making the salad.

Used to describe devices or materials that remove impurities from liquids or gases, often used in a variety of contexts beyond cooking.

• The coffee machine needs a new filter to make cleaner coffee.
• Install a water filter to remove contaminants from your tap water.

Strainers are typically used in kitchens to separate liquids from solids, often with a fine mesh. They are suitable for tasks like straining pasta or rinsing fruits and vegetables.

• The chef used strainers to drain the boiled vegetables.
• After boiling the pasta, she poured it into one of the strainers to remove the water.

In text or data contexts, filters can refer to tools or methods for sorting information to show only what is relevant or needed.

• He applied a filter to the spreadsheet to show only the sales data from last year.
• The social media app has a filter to block inappropriate comments.

A sieve, similar to a strainer but typically with a finer mesh, is used for sifting fine particles from larger clumps, such as flour or powdered sugar. It is often used in baking.

• The baker used a sieve to ensure there were no lumps in the flour.
• She sifted powdered sugar over the cake using a sieve.

Used in the context of cooking or filtering, when separating solids from liquids.

• He used strainers to drain the pasta.
• The tea leaves were caught by the strainers.

General term for providing assistance or help, can be used in emotional, physical, or functional contexts.

• She gave her friend emotional support.
• The beams provide structural support to the building.
• Customer support is available 24/7.

Applied in situations where additional strength or support is needed, often used in military, construction, or behavioral contexts.

• The army received reinforcement troops.
• The bridge required steel reinforcement.
• Positive reinforcement helps in teaching new skills.