stoke

¹

[stohk]

verb (used with object)

stoked, stoking 

1. to poke, stir up, and feed (a fire).

2. to tend the fire of (a furnace, especially one used with a boiler to generate steam for an engine); supply with fuel.

verb (used without object)

stoked, stoking 

1. to shake up the coals of a fire.

2. to tend a fire or furnace.

stoke

²

[stohk]

noun

Physics.

1. a unit of kinematic viscosity, equal to the viscosity of a fluid in poises divided by the density of the fluid in grams per cubic centimeter.

stoke

/ stəʊk /

verb

1. to feed, stir, and tend (a fire, furnace, etc)

2. (tr) to tend the furnace of; act as a stoker for

Word History and Origins

Origin of stoke¹

1675–85; < Dutch stoken to feed or stock a fire; stock

Origin of stoke²

After Sir G. Stokes

Word History and Origins

Origin of stoke¹

C17: back formation from _stoker

Example Sentences

TOKYO—Japan’s finance ministry plans to boost government bond issuance by $75 billion to fund an economic stimulus package, potentially stoking concerns about the nation’s fiscal health.

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Another reason to raise rates comes from the yen, which has weakened rapidly over the past weeks, stoking concerns over rising import prices.

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“The prospect of further cuts stoked demand for gold,” ANZ says.

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But I couldn’t predict how bizarre her flailing would be, especially after she publicly hugged Vance in a way that stoked widespread rumors that the two are more than friends.

Read more on Salon

Advocates warn that ending TPS could disrupt families, employment, and access to education, while also stoking fear and uncertainty among residents.

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Related Words

• feed 
• stir