strainer

American  

[strey-ner] / ˈstreɪ nər /

noun

1. a person or thing that strains.

2. a filter, sieve, or the like for straining liquids.

3. a stretcher or tightener.

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strainer British  

/ ˈstreɪnə /

noun

1. a sieve used for straining sauces, vegetables, tea, etc

2. a gauze or simple filter used to strain liquids

3. a self-locking device or a tool for tightening fencing wire

4. the main post in a wire fence, often diagonally braced

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Etymology

Origin of strainer

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at strain ¹, -er ¹

Compare meaning

How does strainer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• colander vs. strainer
• sieve vs. strainer
• strainer vs. sifter

Related Words

• colander
• sieve