down-stroke
Definition
- Noun:
- A downward stroke: In writing or drawing, a "down-stroke" is a line or mark made by moving the pen, pencil, or brush in a downward direction. This is often contrasted with an "up-stroke."
- In music: For stringed instruments played with a bow (e.g., violin) or a plectrum (e.g., guitar), a "down-stroke" is a movement of the bow or pick from the top downward across the strings. It is often notated as a symbol (like a square bracket) in sheet music.
Usage Examples
In writing:
- The calligrapher emphasized each down-stroke to create a bold, elegant script. (The downward movement of the pen made the letters thicker and more pronounced.)
In music:
- The guitarist played the chord with a strong down-stroke to give it a powerful, percussive sound. (The pick moved from the top string toward the bottom.)
Advanced Usage
- "Down-stroke" in mechanical contexts: In engineering or machinery, a "down-stroke" can refer to the downward motion of a piston or a press in a machine.
- The engine's down-stroke compresses the fuel mixture before ignition. (The piston moves downward.)
Variants and Related Words
Up-stroke (n): A stroke made in an upward direction, opposite of a down-stroke.
- The calligrapher used a lighter up-stroke for the thin parts of the letters. (The upward movement of the pen.)
Stroke (n): A mark or movement made by a pen, brush, or tool.
- He painted the scene with a single, broad stroke. (A continuous movement.)
Synonyms
- Downward line: A line drawn from top to bottom.
- Descending motion: Movement from a higher position to a lower one.
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms specifically using "down-stroke" as a standalone term, as it is technical in nature.)