strains

nounpain, due to exertion
nounancestry
nounsuggestion, hint
nounmelody
verbstretch, often to limit
verbwork very hard
verbfilter
verbcause mental stress

Synonyms for strains

noun pain, due to exertion

Antonyms for strains

Word Origin & History

"to stretch, draw tight," c.1300, from present participle stem of Old French estreindre "bind tightly, clasp, squeeze," from Latin stringere (2) "bind or draw tight," from PIE root *strenk- "tight, narrow; pull tight, twist" (cf. Lithuanian stregti "congeal;" Greek strangein "twist;" Old High German strician "mends nets;" Old English streccian "to stretch," streng "string;" German stramm, Dutch stram "stiff"). Sense of "press through a filter" is from early 14c. (implied in strainer); that of "lay undue stress on, make a forced interpretation of" is from mid-15c. Related: Strained; straining.

Example Sentences for strains

Mrs. Turnbull's recipe, infallible for all aches, bruises, and strains.

There are two or three strains of this, varying a little as to habit.

Their voices streamed from the ceiling, like the strains of a distant choir.

We were saying, when we spoke of the subject-matter, that we had no need of lamentation and strains of sorrow?

And do vicious measures and strains do any harm, or good measures any good to the lovers of them?

Now the fairest and most useful of strains will be uttered by the elder men, and therefore we cannot let them off.

"It's extraordinary what strains old iron will stand sometimes," I said.

And as they came up to it, they heard the strains of a violin.

In vain he toils and strains to burst the links that bind him.

We give you the job of figuring out the stresses and strains involved.