1
: the act of striking
especially : a blow with a weapon or implement
2
: a single unbroken movement
especially : one of a series of repeated or to-and-fro movements
3
a
: a controlled swing intended to hit a ball or shuttlecock
also : a striking of the ball
b
: such a stroke charged to a player as a unit of scoring in golf
4
a
: a sudden action or process producing an impact
a stroke of lightning
b
: an unexpected result
a stroke of luck
the idea was a stroke of inspiration
a master stroke of diplomacy
5
: sudden impairment or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion that is caused by rupture or obstruction (as by a clot) of a blood vessel supplying the brain, and is accompanied by permanent damage of brain tissue
NOTE: Symptoms of stroke include numbness or weakness on one side of the body or face, confusion, impaired speech or vision, loss of coordination or balance, trouble walking, or severe headache.
called also apoplexy, brain attack, cerebrovascular accident
compare ISCHEMIC STROKE, HEMORRHAGIC STROKE, TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK6
a
: one of a series of propelling beats or movements against a resisting medium
a stroke of the oar
b
: a rower who sets the pace for a crew
7
a
: a vigorous or energetic effort by which something is done, produced, or accomplished
a stroke of genius
a brilliant diplomatic stroke
b
: a delicate or clever touch in a narrative, description, or construction
9
: the movement in either direction of a mechanical part (such as a piston) having a reciprocating motion
also : the distance of such movement
10
: the sound of a bell being struck
at the stroke of twelve
also : the specific time indicated by or as if by such a sound
12
a
: a mark or dash made by a single movement of an implement
b
: one of the lines of a letter of the alphabet
