a slender cord or thick thread used for binding or tying; line.
something resembling a cord or thread.
Also called cosmic string .Physics. a mathematical entity used to represent elementary particles, as gravitons, quarks, or leptons, in terms of a small but finite stringlike object existing in the four dimensions of spacetime and in additional, hypothetical, spacelike dimensions. The theory of such objects (string theory ) avoids the many mathematical difficulties that arise from treating particles as points.
a narrow strip of flexible material, as cloth or leather, for tying parts together: the strings of a bonnet.
a necklace consisting of a number of beads, pearls, or the like threaded or strung on a cord; strand: She wore a double string of pearls.
any series of things arranged or connected in a line or following closely one after another: a string of islands; a string of questions.
a series of railroad cars coupled together but not constituting an entire train.
Journalism. a compilation of clippings of a stringer's published writings, submitted in request of payment according to an agreed space rate.
a group of animals, especially saddle horses, owned or used by one person: a string of polo ponies.
(in a musical instrument) a tightly stretched cord or wire that produces a tone when caused to vibrate, as by plucking, striking, or friction of a bow.
strings,
stringed instruments, especially those played with a bow.
players on such instruments in an orchestra or band.
a bowstring.
a cord or fiber in a plant.
the tough piece uniting the two parts of a pod: the strings of beans.
Architecture.
a stringcourse.
Also called stringer. one of the sloping sides of a stair, supporting the treads and risers.
Computers, Linguistics. a linear sequence of symbols, words, characters, or bits that is treated as a unit.
Billiards, Pool.
a stroke made by each player from the head of the table to the opposite cushion and back, to determine, by means of the resultant positions of the cue balls, who shall open the game.
Also called string line. a line from behind which the cue ball is placed after being out of play.
a complement of contestants or players grouped as a squad in accordance with their skill: He made the second string on the football team.
Usually strings . conditions or limitations on a proposal: a generous offer with no strings attached.
Obsolete. a ligament, nerve, or the like in an animal body.
verb (used with object),strung;strung or (Rare) stringed;string·ing.
to furnish with or as with a string or strings: to string a bonnet; to string a bow.
to extend or stretch (a cord, thread, etc.) from one point to another.
to thread on or as on a string: to string beads.
to connect in or as in a line; arrange in a series or succession: She knows how to string words together.
Music.
to adjust the string of (a bow) or tighten the strings of (a musical instrument) to the required pitch.
to equip (a bow or instrument) with new strings.
to provide or adorn with something suspended or slung: a room strung with festoons.
to deprive of a string or strings; strip the strings from: to string beans.
to make tense, as the sinews, nerves, mind, etc.
to kill by hanging (usually followed by up).
Slang. to fool or hoax.
verb (used without object),strung;strung or (Rare) stringed;string·ing.
to form into or move in a string or series: The ideas string together coherently.
to form into a string or strings, as a glutinous substance does when pulled: Good taffy doesn't break—it strings.
Also called lag .Billiards, Pool. to strike a cue ball to determine the order of play.
Verb Phrases
string along,Informal.
to be in agreement; follow with confidence: He found he couldn't string along with all their modern notions.
to keep (a person) waiting or in a state of uncertainty.
to deceive; cheat; trick.
string out,
to extend; stretch out: The parade strung out for miles.
to prolong: The promised three days strung out to six weeks.
Idioms for string
on a / the string, Informal. subject to the whim of another; in one's power; dependent: After keeping me on a string for two months, they finally hired someone else.
pull strings / wires,
to use one's influence or authority, usually in secret, in order to bring about a desired result.
to gain or attempt to gain one's objectives by means of influential friends, associates, etc.: He had his uncle pull strings to get him a promotion.
Origin of string
First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English string, streng, Old English streng; cognate with Dutch streng, German Strang, Old Norse strengr ; akin to Latin stringere “to bind, tie”; (verb) late Middle English stringen “to string a bow,” derivative of the noun
You “gather string,” as we say, and hope the right moment comes.
Temp Workers Fight Back Against Alleged Sexual Harassment and Say They Face Retaliation for Doing So|by Melissa Sanchez|August 28, 2020|ProPublica
Suddenly, these founders are awash in gobs of money with few strings attached, leaving them under no particular pressure to follow through on their plans.
Are blockchain companies cursed with too much cash?|Jeff|August 19, 2020|Fortune
In 2014, thousands of people occupied streets to protest a long-awaited plan for universal voting that came with too many strings attached.
A timeline that explains what’s happening in Hong Kong|Mary Hui|August 16, 2020|Quartz
The random forcing can show you what strings are in the piano.
Global Wave Discovery Ends 220-Year Search|Charlie Wood|August 13, 2020|Quanta Magazine
GC376 works by preventing a key enzyme called M protease, which is found in a number of different coronaviruses, from chopping up long strings of viral proteins.
How two coronavirus drugs for cats might help humans fight COVID-19|Erin Garcia de Jesus|August 11, 2020|Science News
The plot was a string of anecdotes from the senseless shootings of friends that Brinsley knew.