Definition of: string

(string) noun
1. A slender line, thinner than a cord and thicker than a thread, used for tying or lacing; twine; also, a slender strip, as of cloth or leather; the cord of a bow; prepared wire or catgut for musical instruments.
2. A stringlike organ or formation; a fibrous vegetable formation; an animal nerve or tendon.
3. A thin cord upon which anything is strung; a row or series of things connected by a small cord: a string of pearls.
4. A connected series or succession as of things, acts, or events: sometimes implying unusual length: a string of carriages; a string of lies.
5. U.S. Colloq. A drove or small collection of stock, especially of saddle horses.
6. plural Stringed instruments, especially those of an orchestra; those who play on these.
7. In billiards, the score; the buttons, strung on a wire, by which the score is kept; the string line; the act of stringing.
8. Archit. a A string–course, as of bricks, b A stout inclined plank, notched and set edgewise as a support for the steps of a wooden stairway; a ramp or sidepiece of solid–built stairs.
9. In sports, a group of contestants ranked as to skill.
10. The conditions, limitations, or restrictions attached to any proposition, gift, or donation, whereby the terms may not be binding, or whereby the donor retains some control.
—to pull strings To manipulate or influence others, secretly or underhandedly, to gain some advantage.
—v. strung, string·ing v.t.
1. To thread, as beads, on or as on a string.
2. To fit with a string or strings, as a guitar.
3. To bind, fasten, or adorn with a string or strings.
4. To tighten the strings of (a musical instrument).
5. To brace; strengthen.
6. To make tense or nervous.
7. To arrange or extend like a string.
8. To remove the strings from (vegetables).
9. Colloq. To hang: usually with up.
—v.i.
10. To extend, stretch, or proceed in a line or series.
11. To form into strings.
12. In billiards, to drive the cue ball from within the string against the farther cushion and back.
—to string along Slang
1. To follow with trust or confidence.
2. To fool; deceive; cheat.
3. To keep (someone) waiting or on tenterhooks. [OE streng string]