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overstrung

overstrung

8.2
Having strings that are too tight and under strain
  • adjective
  • /ˈoʊvərstrʌŋ/
translation icon : tensado
  • The violin sounded odd because it was overstrung and under too much tension.

Examples

  • The guitar was overstrung and produced a harsh sound.

  • Be careful not to leave your bow overstrung, as it can cause damage to the wood.

  • An overstrung racquet may break more easily during intense matches.

  • He noticed that the violin was overstrung during the performance.

  • An overstrung racquet may break more easily during intense matches.

  • Be careful not to leave your bow overstrung, as it can cause damage to the wood.

  • The violin sounded odd because it was overstrung and under too much tension.

Synonyms

taut
vsoverstrung
30 4.8

Stretched tight and showing physical or emotional tension

is similar but indicates excessive tightness that causes added strain

How Tight

overstrung
8.2
taut
30 4.8
tight
6 1.0
loose
155 1.0

Surface Forms

overstrung positive

Morphology

overstrung = strung (transparent) = over + strung

The meaning of 'overstrung' as strung too tightly is directly predictable from 'over' + 'strung'.

Etymology

Overstrung comes from over- meaning 'too much' and strung, from string meaning 'a cord'. So an instrument that is overstrung has its strings pulled too tight and is under too much tension, which can make it sound wrong or break.