noun
strain
A passage of melody.
The gentle strains of a violin drift through the open window.
Etymology
The musical passage sense continues the expressive use of strain. Its precise earlier semantic development is uncertain.
More examples
- The pianist repeats the opening strain more softly.
- We hear the familiar strains of a lullaby upstairs.
- A cheerful strain from the flute interrupts the silence.
Forms
strain · strains