Search results for 'string':

string noun 1 thin cord, or a piece of this. 2 any of a set of pieces of stretched wire, catgut or other material that can vibrate to produce sound in various musical instruments such as the guitar, violin, piano, etc. See also stringed. 3 (strings) a the orchestral instruments in which sound is produced in this way, usually the violins, violas, cellos and double basses collectively; b the players of these instruments. 4 a group of similar things • a string of racehorses. 5 a series or succession • a string of disasters. 6 computing a group of characters that a computer can handle as a single unit. 7 one of several pieces of taut gut, etc that are used in sports rackets. 8 a set of things that are threaded together, eg beads, pearls, etc. 9 (strings) undesirable conditions or limitations • no strings attached. 10 any cord-like thing, eg a nerve or tendon. 11 US a shoelace. verb (strung, stringing) 1 to fit or provide with a string or strings. 2 to tie with string. 3 to thread (eg beads) onto a string. 4 to remove the stringy parts from (a bean pod, etc). 5 to extend something in a string • strung the onions. keep, get or have someone on a string to control them or make them dependent, especially emotionally • He'll do anything for her - she's got him on a string. pull strings colloq to use one's influence, or relationships with influential people, to get something done. pull the strings colloq to be the ultimate, although not usually apparent, controller of a situation or person.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon streng.