strain

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

v. to separate solid pieces from a liquid by pouring it through a tool with small holes.

v. to separate liquid from solid matter by passing it through a porous medium or colander.

Español:colar

“Strain the pasta and then put it back into the pot with the sauce.”

“After simmering the stock for several hours, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a clear, professional finish.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine

v. to injure a muscle or part of your body by stretching it too much.

v. to injure a muscle, tendon, or ligament by overexertion or excessive stretching.

“Be careful not to strain your back when you lift those heavy boxes.”

“The athlete strained his hamstring during the sprint, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a state of worry or pressure caused by having too much to do.

n. a force or influence that stretches, twists, or puts pressure on something, whether physical or psychological.

“The long hours at work are putting a real strain on her health.”

“The sudden influx of refugees put a massive strain on the local infrastructure, testing the limits of the city's resources.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a specific type of a virus, bacteria, or plant.

n. a particular genetic variant or subtype of a micro-organism or virus.

“Scientists are studying a new strain of the flu that spreads very quickly.”

“The laboratory identified a drug-resistant strain of bacteria that had evolved in response to the over-prescription of antibiotics.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the change in the shape of an object when it is pulled or pushed.

n. the physical deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces.

“The bridge was designed to handle the strain of thousands of cars every day.”

“Engineers calculated the stress and strain on the steel cables to ensure the structure could withstand hurricane-force winds.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Literary

n. the sound of a piece of music or a song.

n. a sequence of musical notes or a distinct section of a melody.

“The beautiful strains of a violin drifted through the open window.”

“As the sun set, the haunting strains of a distant flute echoed across the valley, creating a melancholy atmosphere.”