(strān) v.t.
1. To pull or draw tight; stretch.
2. To exert to the utmost.
3. To injure by overexertion; sprain; also, to wrench or twist.
4. To deform in structure or shape as a result of pressure or stress.
5. To stretch beyond the true intent, proper limit, etc.: to strain a point.
6. To embrace tightly; hug.
7. To pass through a strainer (def. 2).
8. To remove by filtration.
9. Mech. To alter in size or shape by applying external force.
10. Obs. To force; constrain.
—v.i.
11. To make violent efforts; strive.
12. To be or become wrenched or twisted.
13. To filter, trickle, or percolate. See synonyms under STRETCH,
—to strain at
1. To push or pull with violent efforts.
2. To strive for.
3. To scruple or balk at accepting.
—noun
1. An act of straining or the state of being strained; a violent effort or exertion.
2. The injury due to excessive tension or effort.
3. Physics Change of shape or size of a body, especially of a solid, produced by the action of a stress; deformation, temporary or permanent; thrust; force. [<OF estrein-, stem of estreindre <L stringere bind tight]

(strān) noun
1. Line of descent, or the individuals, collectively, in that line; race; stock.
2. Inborn or hereditary disposition; natural tendency; trace; an element or admixture: to have a heroic strain in one's character.
3. Biol. A special line of individuals belonging to a certain race or species and maintained at a high standard of perfection by selection: said of animals or plants.
4. Rare Distinguishing nature or quality; kind; sort.
5. A section, in hymn tunes, divided off by a double bar; a melody; tune; air.
6. A distinctive portion of a poem; also, a composition in verse.
7. Prevailing tone, style, or manner; mood. [? Var. of ME strene, OE strēon offspring]