Definition

A movement or action that goes inward, particularly referring to a stroke of a piston that moves away from the crankshaft.

Example

The engine's efficiency improved with the new design of the instroke.

Conversation

I was reading about engine mechanics, and they mentioned the term instroke.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to the inward stroke of a piston, moving away from the crankshaft.

That sounds interesting! I had no idea there were so many specific terms in mechanics.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Instroke is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "stroke" (from Old English "strōc", meaning a blow or stroke). The word describes the action of a stroke or blow that moves into something.

Memory Tip

Think of something moving 'into' ('in-') with a 'stroke' — that's what instroke means.

Visually Confused Words