The term 'used a strainer' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'SIEVED, ' which is a six-letter word. Sieving is a process of separating particles of different sizes, shapes, or other characteristics by passing them through a mesh or other straining device. It is commonly used in cooking to separate solids from liquids, such as when making stocks or sauces. Sieving is also used in many other industries, such as mining and construction, to separate materials of different sizes.