Strain (biology)

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Microbiology/Virology

A strain is a genetic variant or subtype of a virus or bacterium, or an inbred line of a higher organism. For example, a "flu strain" is a certain biological form of the influenza or "flu" virus.

Biology/Botany

A strain is a group of plants with similar (but not identical) appearance and/or properties. Sometimes incorrectly used as a synonym for variety. Strains are similar to series and groups.