n.
- material consisting of threads of cotton, hemp, etc. twisted together to form a thin length.
▸a piece of such material.
- a length of catgut or wire on a musical instrument, producing a note by vibration.
▸
(strings)
the stringed instruments in an orchestra.
- a piece of catgut, nylon, etc., interwoven with others to form the head of a sports racket.
- a set of things tied or threaded together on a thin cord.
- a sequence of similar items or events.
▸Computing a linear sequence of characters, words, or other data.
▸a group of racehorses trained at one stable.
▸a reserve team or player holding a specified position in an order of preference.
▸a player assigned a specified rank in a team in an individual sport.
- a tough piece of fibre in vegetables, meat, or other food.
- a G-string or thong.
- Physics a hypothetical one-dimensional subatomic particle having the dynamical properties of a flexible loop.
▸
(also cosmic string)
a hypothetical thread-like concentration of energy within the structure of space–time.
v.
(past and past part. strung)
- arrange on or as on a string.
▸
(be strung or be strung out)
be arranged in a long line.
- fit a string or strings to (a musical instrument, a racket, or a bow).
- remove the strings from (a bean).
- N. Amer. informal hoax or trick (someone).
- informal work as a stringer in journalism.
- Billiards determine the order of play by striking the cue ball from baulk to rebound as far as possible from the top cushion.
Phrase
- no strings attached
informal there are no special conditions or restrictions. - on a string
under one's control or influence.
Phrase verbal
- string someone along
informal mislead someone deliberately over a length of time. - string something out
- prolong something.
-
(be strung out)
informal be nervous or tense.
-
(be strung out)
N. Amer. informal be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- string someone up
- kill someone by hanging.
-
(be strung up)
Brit. informal be tense or nervous.
Derivative
- stringed adj.
- stringless adj.
- string-like adj.
Etymology
OE streng (n.), of Gmc origin; rel. to strong.