Chords vs. Strokes

The difference between chords and strokes in steno is subtle and kind of confusing, but here goes :p

Both strokes and chords are sets of keys. Strokes are generically used to refer to sets of keys, so all chords are strokes.

When you press down some keys on a steno writer, you're pressing down a stroke, but that stroke may be made up of multiple chords.

For example, the chord TPH- and the chord OE combine to form the stroke TPHOE, which means "no" (Raw Steno).

Chords are really just an abstract way to think about how to write letters or sounds in a steno theory.

When combining strokes, you get outlines. KUP combined with KA*EUBG gives you KUP/KA*EUBG, meaning "cupcake".