n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English; akin to Old English str ī can to stroke ― more at STRIKE
Date: 13th century
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>
5 : sudden diminution or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion caused by rupture or obstruction (as by a clot) of a blood vessel of the brain ― called also apoplexy cerebrovascular accident
6 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
8 : HEARTBEAT
9 : the movement in either direction of a mechanical part (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
11 [ 1 stroke ] : an act of stroking or caressing
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
– at a stroke : all at once <spent her savings at a stroke >