Stroke

Definition

Stroke refers to a medical condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, or a hitting movement. It also serves as a verb referring to the action of striking or brushing gently.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /stroʊk/
• Respelling: STROHK

British English

• IPA: /strəʊk/
• Respelling: STROHK

In both American and British English, the word "stroke" is pronounced with a single syllable, with the primary difference being in the vowel sound. American English uses a monophthong /oʊ/, while British English uses a slightly different diphthong /əʊ/, which may sound a bit more rounded. Despite this, the respelling remains effectively the same for both, reflecting the common pronunciation across both accents with a focus on the 'o' sound that is elongated or stressed.

Etymology

The word "stroke" originates from Old English strāc meaning "a blow, stroke", which is related to strīcan to "move, stroke, go."

Derivatives

• Stroker
• Stroking
• Strokeless
• Strokey
• Restroke

Synonyms

Noun

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
• Apoplexy
• Hit

Verb

• Caress
• Pat
• Brush

Antonyms

Noun

• Miss (opposite of hitting movement)
• none
• none

Verb

• Slap
• Hit
• Smack

Usage

"Stroke" is used in a variety of contexts including medical, sports, and casual conversation. It denotes a serious medical condition or refers to a movement or action of striking or gently moving over a surface.

Related Terms

• Stroking
• Strokeplay (in golf)
• Breaststroke, backstroke (in swimming)

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Medical Condition: In the most common usage, a stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The lack of blood and oxygen can damage or kill brain cells, affecting a person's ability to control muscles and memory.

• Unit of Action in Writing or Painting: It refers to the movement of a pen, brush, or other writing or painting tool. A stroke is the act of drawing a line or mark with a pen, brush, or other implement.

Verb

• ‍Movement or Act: In a general sense, a stroke can refer to the act of hitting or striking something or someone. In sports, such as tennis, golf, or rowing, a stroke is a movement of hitting the ball or pulling the oar through the water.