strainer

Definition

A device through which a liquid is passed for purification, filtering or separation from solid matter; anything (including a screen or a cloth) used to strain a liquid.

Etymology

From Middle English strener, streynour, strenyour, equivalent to strain + -er.

Example Sentences

• "A strainer is something on the surface of the water that allows water to pass through it but not solid objects, like boats and people. Strainers are likely to consist of fallen trees, old fencing, guardrails […]"
• "An important factor with respect to recurrence [of rectal prolapse] is the fact that many of these patients are chronic strainers."