■ noun
1》 material consisting of threads of cotton, hemp, etc. twisted together to form a thin length.
↘a piece of such material.
2》 a length of catgut or wire on a musical instrument, producing a note by vibration.
↘( ~s ) the ~ed instruments in an orchestra.
3》 a piece of catgut, nylon, etc., interwoven with others to form the head of a sports racket.
4》 a set of things tied or threaded together on a thin cord.
5》 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.
6》 a tough piece of fibre in vegetables, meat, or other food.
7》 a G-~ or thong.
8》 Physics a hypothetical one-dimensional subatomic particle having the dynamical properties of a flexible loop.
↘(also cosmic ~ ) a hypothetical thread-like concentration of energy within the structure of space–time.
■ verb ( past and past participle strung )
1》 arrange on or as on a ~.
↘( be strung or be strung out ) be arranged in a long line.
2》 fit a ~ or ~s to (a musical instrument, a racket, or a bow).
3》 remove the ~s from (a bean).
4》 N. Amer. informal hoax or trick (someone).
5》 informal work as a ~er in journalism.
6》 Billiards determine the order of play by striking the cue ball from baulk to rebound as far as possible from the top cushion.
Phrases
no ~s attached informal there are no special conditions or restrictions.
on a ~ under one's control or influence.
Phrasal verbs
~ someone along informal mislead someone deliberately over a length of time.
~ something out
1》 prolong something.
2》 ( be strung out ) informal be nervous or tense.
3》 ( be strung out ) N. Amer. informal be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
~ someone up
1》 kill someone by hanging.
2》 ( be strung up ) Brit. informal be tense or nervous.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~less adjective
~-like adjective
Origin
OE streng (n.), of Gmc origin; related to strong .