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stroke

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To stroke is the act of petting or carressing something or a mark of a pen. (noun)

An example of stroke is the act of petting your cat using a gentle touch or a gentle stroke.
An example of stroke is when you make a mark with your pen or pencil.

To stroke is to carress or pet something. (verb)

An example of stroke is when you gently rub your hands along your pet's fur.

A stroke is a medical condition where blood flow to your brain is interrupted, often because of a blood clot. (noun)

An example of a stroke is an episode where an older man has impaired vision and speech because of the temporary loss of blood to the brain.

See stroke in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a striking of one thing against another; blow or impact of an ax, whip, etc.
1. a sudden action resulting in a powerful or destructive effect, as if from a blow: a stroke of lightning
2. a sudden occurrence, often a pleasant one: a stroke of luck
a sudden cerebrovascular failure usually caused by arteriosclerosis, hypertension, embolism, or hemorrhage and resulting variously in impaired vision and speech, coma, convulsions, paralysis, etc.
1. a single effort to do, produce, or accomplish something, esp. a successful effort
2. something accomplished by such an effort; feat
3. a distinctive effect or touch in an artistic, esp. literary, work
the sound of striking, as of a clock
1. a single movement, as with some tool, club, racquet, etc.: a stroke of the pen, a backhand stroke in tennis
2. any of a series of repeated rhythmic motions made against water, air, etc.: the stroke of a swimmer, rower, etc.
3. a type, manner, or rate of such movement: a slow stroke
a mark made by or as by a pen or similar marking tool
a beat of the heart
a gentle, caressing motion with the hand
Informal praise, flattery, etc. offered to reassure, influence, persuade, etc.
Golf a scoring unit used to record each time the ball is hit with the head of a club
Mech. any of a series of continuous, often reciprocating, movements; specif., a single movement of a piston from one end of its range to the other, constituting a half revolution of the engine
Rowing
1. the rower who sits nearest the stern and sets the rate of rowing for the others
2. the position occupied by this rower

transitive verb stroked, stroking

to draw one's hand, a tool, etc. gently over the surface of, as in caressing or smoothing
to mark with strokes or draw a line through: often with out
to hit; esp., to hit (a ball) in playing tennis, golf, pool, etc.
to set the rate of rowing for (a crew) or for the crew of (a boat)
Informal to flatter, pay special attention to, etc. in an effort to influence, reassure, persuade, etc.
Slang to masturbate: said of a man

intransitive verb

to hit a ball in playing tennis, golf, etc.
to act as stroke (for) in rowing

adjective

Slang of or for masturbating: a stroke book

See stroke in American Heritage Dictionary 4

stroke¹

noun

The act or an instance of striking, as with the hand, a weapon, or a tool; a blow or impact.
a. The striking of a bell or gong.
b. The sound so produced.
c. The time so indicated: at the stroke of midnight.
A sudden action or process having a strong impact or effect: a stroke of lightning.
A sudden occurrence or result: a stroke of luck; a stroke of misfortune.
A sudden severe attack, as of paralysis or sunstroke.
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel to the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, diminution or loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. Also called cerebral accident, cerebrovascular accident.
An inspired or effective idea or act: a stroke of genius.
a. A single uninterrupted movement, especially when repeated or in a back-and-forth motion: the stroke of a pendulum.
b. Any of a series of movements of a piston from one end of the limit of its motion to another.
a. A single completed movement of the limbs and body, as in swimming or rowing.
b. The manner or rate of executing such a movement: My favorite stroke is butterfly. She had a very rapid stroke.
Nautical
a. The rower who sits nearest the coxswain or the stern and sets the tempo for the other rowers.
b. The position occupied by this person.
Sports
a. A movement of the upper torso and arms for the purpose of striking a ball, as in golf or tennis.
b. The manner of executing such a movement.
c. A scoring unit in golf counted for such a movement: finished six strokes under par.
a. A single mark made by a writing or marking implement, such as a pen.
b. The act of making such a mark.
c. A printed line in a graphic character that resembles such a mark.
A distinctive effect or deft touch, as in literary composition.

verb stroked stroked, stroking strok·ing, strokes

verb, transitive

a. To mark with a single short line.
b. To draw a line through; cancel: stroked out the last sentence.
Nautical To set the pace for (a rowing crew).
To hit or propel (a ball, for example) with a smoothly regulated swing.

verb, intransitive

To make or perform a stroke.
Nautical To row at a particular rate per minute.

Origin: Middle English, probably from Old English *strāc; see streig- in Indo-European roots.

stroke²

transitive verb stroked stroked, stroking strok·ing, strokes

To rub lightly, with or as if with the hand or something held in the hand; caress.
Informal To behave attentively or flatteringly toward, especially in order to restore to confidence or win over.

noun

A light caressing movement, as of the hand.

Origin: Middle English stroken, from Old English strācian, from *strāc, stroke; see stroke ¹.

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