strook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal, depending on context (medical vs. everyday).
Quick answer
What does “strook” mean?
A single, continuous movement of a hand, tool, or brush, especially when used to apply, hit, or caress something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, continuous movement of a hand, tool, or brush, especially when used to apply, hit, or caress something; also a sudden disabling attack or loss of consciousness in the brain.
Can refer to a single successful action or event, a line in writing/drawing, the sound of a clock, a method of swimming, or the act of gently moving one's hand over a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling in verb past tense (stroked). In swimming, 'stroke' as a category is identical. Medical term is identical. The verb for petting an animal is equally common.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The informal phrase 'stroke of genius' is common in both.
Frequency
Equal frequency for core meanings. 'Stroke' as a verb for flattery might be slightly more literary in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “strook” in a Sentence
stroke [sb/sth] (verb + object)have/suffer a stroke (verb + object)a stroke of [luck/genius/folly] (noun + of + abstract noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strook” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He stroked his beard thoughtfully.
- She stroked the dog's fur to calm it.
American English
- He stroked the baseball bat before swinging.
- She gently stroked the child's hair.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She is our stroke oar in the crew.
- The stroke player served an ace.
American English
- The stroke mechanic adjusted the engine.
- He is the stroke seat in the varsity boat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new policy changed the market at a single stroke."
Academic
"The patient presented with symptoms consistent with an ischemic stroke."
Everyday
"She gave the cat a gentle stroke."
Technical
"The engine's compression ratio is affected by the piston stroke."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strook”
- Using 'stroke' to mean 'strike' aggressively (wrong: He stroked the table angrily). Confusing 'stroke' (medical) with 'heart attack'. Incorrect preposition: 'stroke *in* luck' instead of 'stroke *of* luck'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral. Its formality depends entirely on context (e.g., 'cerebrovascular accident' is the more formal medical term, but 'stroke' is standard in healthcare; 'stroke of genius' is used in both casual and formal praise).
A stroke is a problem in the brain (bleed or clot), affecting neurological function. A heart attack is a problem in the heart (blocked blood flow to heart muscle). They are different medical conditions.
Rarely and archaically. The verb 'stroke' primarily means to move gently over a surface. For a hard hit, use 'strike'.
It refers to a single movement or shot (golf stroke, tennis stroke) or a style (swimming stroke like breaststroke). Example: 'Her backhand stroke is very powerful.'
A single, continuous movement of a hand, tool, or brush, especially when used to apply, hit, or caress something.
Strook: in British English it is pronounced /strəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /stroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at a stroke (all at once)”
- “stroke of luck”
- “stroke of genius”
- “put someone off their stroke”
- “not a stroke of work”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of painting a STROKE on a ROPE. ST-ROKE. Or, a STROKE of bad luck can leave you BROKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVEMENT (the stroke of midnight). SUCCESS/EVENTS ARE PHYSICAL BLOWS (a stroke of luck).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'stroke'?