Definition

Noun: A device with a perforated or meshed surface used to separate solids from liquids or to separate finer particles from coarser ones by allowing the liquid or finer particles to pass through while retaining the larger solid pieces.

Usage

A strainer is a kitchen or laboratory tool. It is used by pouring a mixture through it. The liquid or finer material passes through the holes, and the larger solids are caught and held back.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She poured the pasta into the strainer to drain the boiling water.
  • Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds from the lemon juice.
  • The tea leaves remained in the bottom of the strainer.

Advanced Usage

• "to pass/put something through a strainer": To pour a mixture into a strainer to separate its components.
  • For a smooth sauce, pass it through a strainer after blending.
• "fine-mesh/coarse strainer": Describes the size of the holes in the strainer, indicating what it is designed to filter.
  • A fine-mesh strainer is essential for making clear broths.

Variants and Related Words

• Strain (verb): To separate or remove something by passing it through a strainer.
  • Remember to strain the vegetables before serving.
• Colander (noun): A bowl-shaped strainer, typically with larger holes, often used for draining pasta or washing vegetables.
• Sieve (noun): A tool very similar to a strainer, often with a very fine mesh, used for sifting dry ingredients like flour.

Synonyms

• Filter (noun): A device for removing impurities or solid particles from a liquid or gas.
• Sieve (noun): A utensil consisting of a wire or plastic mesh held in a frame, used for straining solids from liquids or for sifting.

Related Phrases

• Kitchen strainer: A strainer designed for use in food preparation.
• Wire strainer: A strainer made from woven wire mesh.

Noun

1. a filter to retain larger pieces while smaller pieces and liquids pass through