n. 1.(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces 2.difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension 3.a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence 4.(psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress 5.a special variety of domesticated animals within a species 6.(biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups 7.a lineage or race of people 8.injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse) 9.pervading note of an utterance 10.an effortful attempt to attain a goal 11.an intense or violent exertion 12.the act of singing strain v. 1.to exert much effort or energy 2.test the limits of 3.use to the utmost 4.separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements 5.make tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious 6.stretch or force to the limit 7.remove by passing through a filter 8.rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender 9.alter the shape of (something) by stress