Strainer (noun)

1. A utensil for separating solid particles from a liquid, typically consisting of a perforated metal or plastic bowl or cone with a handle.
2. A device for removing impurities from a fluid or gas.
3. A sieve for sifting flour or other powders.

Origin:

Middle english (denoting a utensil for sifting flour): from old french estreignour, from estreindre "to press", from latin stringere "to bind or draw tight".

Examples:

1. She used a strainer to remove the leaves from the tea.
2. The strainer was filled with cooked pasta.
3. He used a strainer to strain the paint before using it.
4. The strainer was used to strain the broth before serving.
5. The strainer was used to sift the flour before baking.