Strokes: meaning, definitions and examples
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strokes
[ strəʊks ]
medical
Sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain, caused by a clot or a ruptured blood vessel, leading to the death of brain cells. Strokes can result in paralysis, speech impairment, or other serious complications.
Synonyms
brain attack, cerebrovascular accident.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cerebrovascular accident |
This is a formal medical term used primarily in clinical or academic settings to describe a stroke.
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| brain attack |
This phrase is often used to emphasize the severity and urgency of the situation, making it more relatable as a medical emergency similar to a heart attack.
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Examples of usage
- A stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.
- She suffered a stroke last year and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.
sports
A single movement of a rower's or oarsman's arms and legs that propels the boat forward.
Synonyms
oar stroke, row.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strokes |
It's used in the context of describing repeated movements, usually smooth or forceful, often in sports like swimming or in the arts while painting.
|
| oar stroke |
This specifically refers to the movement of using an oar to propel a boat in rowing. Typically used in sports or activities involving boats.
|
| row |
Mostly used to describe the act of propelling a boat with oars. It can also refer to a series of objects placed in a line, but in this context, it refers to the rowing action.
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Examples of usage
- She had a powerful stroke that helped the team win the race.
- His rowing technique improved after focusing on the catch phase of the stroke.
general
To move one's hand or an object back and forth in a particular direction.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strokes |
Generally used when gently moving one's hand over a surface repeatedly, could be a pet, hair, or any soft surface.
|
| caress |
Used in an affectionate or romantic context, often implying tenderness and care. Typically involves a gentle touch or a loving stroke of skin or hair.
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| pet |
Commonly used when referring to gently stroking an animal, such as a dog or cat, as a sign of affection or comfort.
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| rub |
Used when describing a motion where someone moves their hand or another object back and forth over a surface, usually applying some pressure. Can be neutral or imply irritation if overdone.
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Examples of usage
- She stroked the cat gently.
- He stroked his beard while thinking.
Translations
Translations of the word "strokes" in other languages:
🇵🇹 traços
🇮🇳 स्ट्रोक्स
🇩🇪 Striche
🇮🇩 goresan
🇺🇦 штрихи
🇵🇱 pociągnięcia
🇯🇵 ストローク
🇫🇷 traits
🇪🇸 trazos
🇹🇷 çizgiler
🇰🇷 획
🇸🇦 ضربات
🇨🇿 tahy
🇸🇰 ťahy
🇨🇳 笔画
🇸🇮 poteze
🇮🇸 strik
🇰🇿 сызықтар
🇬🇪 კრიტები
🇦🇿 çəkmələr
🇲🇽 trazos
Etymology
The word 'strokes' has its origin in the Old English word 'strica', which meant a line made by drawing a pen or brush. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to movements or actions. In the medical context, 'strokes' came to be associated with the sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain in the 17th century. In sports, the term 'strokes' was used to describe the movement of rowers in the 19th century. The verb form of 'strokes' emerged later, referring to the action of moving a hand or object back and forth.