stroke
//stroʊk//
Noun
An act of hitting or striking something, especially with force.
He cut down the tree with a single stroke of the axe.
A movement of the hand or arm across a surface, typically in a gentle or caressing manner.
She gave the cat a gentle stroke on its back.
A mark made by a single movement of a pen, brush, or other drawing implement.
The artist added a few bold strokes to complete the painting.
A sudden serious illness caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain.
My grandfather had a stroke last year, but he is recovering well.
A single complete movement in swimming or rowing.
She improved her swimming stroke after taking lessons.
The sound made by a striking clock.
At the stroke of midnight, the old clock chimed twelve times.
Verb
To move one's hand gently over a surface, typically with repeated movements.
She stroked the cat's soft fur.
To hit or kick a ball smoothly and deliberately.
He stroked the ball into the net with perfect timing.