string
(strɪŋ)
n., v. strung, string•ing. n. 1. a slender cord used for binding or tying.
2. a narrow strip of flexible material for tying parts together: bonnet strings.
3. a collection of objects threaded on a string: a string of pearls.
4. a series of things arranged in or as if in a line: a string of questions.
5. a group of animals, businesses, etc., owned or managed by one person or group: a string of race horses; a string of hotels.
6. the tightly stretched cord or wire of a musical instrument that produces a tone when caused to vibrate, as by plucking, striking, or the friction of a bow.
7. strings, a. stringed instruments, esp. those played with a bow.
b. players of strings in an orchestra or band.
8. a cord or fiber in a plant.
9. Physics. a mathematical representation of elementary particles as finite one-dimensional curves rather than as points.
10. b. one of the sloping sides of a stair, supporting the treads and risers.
11. a linear sequence of symbols, words, or bits that is treated as a unit.
13. a complement of contestants or players grouped as a squad according to their skill.
14. Usu., strings. conditions or limitations on a proposal: a generous offer with no strings attached.
15. Archaic. a ligament, nerve, or the like in an animal body.
v.t. 16. to furnish with or as if with a string: to string a bow.
17. to extend or stretch like a string: strung lights on the tree.
18. to adorn with strung objects: a room strung with lights.
19. to thread on or as if on a string: to string beads.
20. to arrange in a series or succession: stringing words together.
21. a. to adjust the strings of to the required pitch: to string a violin.
b. to equip (a bow or instrument) with new strings.
22. to strip the strings from: to string beans.
23. to make tense: My nerves are strung.
24. to kill by hanging (usu. fol. by up).
25. to fool; deceive (often fol. by along).
v.i. 26. to lie or move in a string.
27. to form into a string or strings.
28. to strike a cue ball to determine the order of play.
29. string along, a. to be in agreement; go along.
b. to keep in a state of uncertainty.
30. string out, a. to extend; stretch out.
b. to prolong.
Idioms: on a or the string, subject to the whim of another.
[before 900; (n.) Middle English string, streng, Old English streng, c. Old High German stranc, Old Norse strengr]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.