(v.t.) A gentle, caressing touch or movement upon something; a stroking.
(v.t.) The oar nearest the stern of a boat, by which the other oars are guided; -- called also stroke oar.
(v.t.) A sudden attack of disease; especially, a fatal attack; a severe disaster; any affliction or calamity, especially a sudden one; as, a stroke of apoplexy; the stroke of death.
(v.t.) The movement, in either direction, of the piston plunger, piston rod, crosshead, etc., as of a steam engine or a pump, in which these parts have a reciprocating motion; as, the forward stroke of a piston; also, the entire distance passed through, as by a piston, in such a movement; as, the piston is at half stroke.
(v.t.) One of a series of beats or movements against a resisting medium, by means of which movement through or upon it is accomplished; as, the stroke of a bird's wing in flying or an oar in rowing, of a skater, swimmer, etc.