Definition of: stroke

(strōk) noun
1. The act or movement of striking; a knock; an impact.
2. One of a series of recurring movements, as of oars, a piston, etc.; also, the rate, extent, or manner of such movement.
3. Stroke oar.
4. A single movement, as of the hand, arm, or some instrument, by which something is made or done.
5. A single movement of some instrument, as of a pen or pencil.
6. A blow or any ill effect caused as if by a blow: a stroke of misfortune, a sunstroke.
7. Pathol. An attack of paralysis or apoplexy.
8. A blow or the sound of a blow of a striking mechanism, as of a clock.
9. A sudden or brilliant mental act; feat; coup: a great stroke of diplomacy, a stroke of wit.
10. A pulsation, as of the heart.
11. A mark or dash of a pen or tool.
12. A light caressing movement; a stroking. See synonyms under BLOW², MISFORTUNE.
—v.t. stroked, strok·ing
1. To pass the hand over gently or caressingly, or with light pressure.
2. To set the pace for (a rowboat or its crew); act as stroke for.
3. To sound (time), as a gong or clock. [ME strok, strak <ΟE strācian strike]