Search results for 'strained':

strain¹ verb (strained, straining) 1 to injure or weaken (oneself or a part of one's body) through over-exertion. 2 intrans to make violent efforts. 3 to make extreme use of or demands on something. 4 to pass something through or pour something into a sieve or colander. 5 to stretch or draw it tight. 6 (usually strain at something) to tug it forcefully. 7 intrans to feel or show reluctance or disgust; to balk. noun 1 an injury caused by over-exertion, especially a wrenching of the muscles. 2 an act of forceful mental or physical perseverance or effort • Talking to her is such a strain. 3 the fatigue resulting from such an effort. 4 mental tension; stress. 5 physics a measure of the deformation of an object when it is subjected to stress which is equal to the change in dimension, eg change in length, divided by the original dimension, eg original length. 6 (also strains) a melody or tune, or a snatch of one • the strains of distant pipes. 7 one's tone in speech or writing. straining adj, noun.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French estraindre, from Latin stringere to stretch tight.

strained adj 1 said of an action, way of talking, someone's manner, etc: not natural or easy; forced. 2 said of an atmosphere, relations, etc: not friendly or relaxed; tense. 3 said of food: characterized by having been put through a sieve • strained carrots. 4 said of a muscle, body part, etc: injured by overwork, etc • a strained back. 5 tight; pushed to the extreme • strained finances.