Definition & Meaning of "tea strainer"

What is a "tea strainer"?

A tea strainer is a kitchen utensil used for steeping loose tea leaves and filtering out the leaves or any other solid particles when pouring tea into a cup. It typically consists of a small, hole-filled bowl-shaped container with a handle or a rim that rests on the rim of a teapot or cup. Tea strainers come in various sizes and styles and may have handles or chains for easy removal from the teapot or cup.