string

1. A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together. (countable, uncountable) · She bought cotton thread to use to make string.· I need three strings to complete the project.
2. Control; influence. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) · I always know what position he'll take because the Chairwoman of the Board has her string on him.· You have to keep the piece with your mother-in-law, because mothers always have strings in their child.
3. The conditions and limitations in a contract collectively. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) · The deal sounds good, but what are the strings?· no strings attached
4. A controlling inner sense, emotion, memory, etc. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) · tug on the heart strings· The experience struck a string in him that turned into a lifetime hobby.
5. Control over the basketball in a game; the state of being in sync as a team, as if connected by a string. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) · You have to get the ball on an absolute string.· The team needs to be on a string.
6. Any similar long, thin and flexible material. (countable) · The headdress's frame is made with strings of gold.
7. A length of nylon or other material comprising the webbing on the head of a racquet or the mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick. (countable, uncountable)
8. The tough fibrous substance that unites the valves of the pericarp of leguminous plants. (countable, uncountable) · the strings of beans; a string bean

Plural strings