downstroke

[ doun-strohk ]

noun

1. a downward stroke, as of a machine part, piston, or the like.
2. a downward stroke in writing, often heavier and darker than an upward stroke.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downstroke¹

First recorded in 1850–55; down ¹ + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

Its wings make a wide, figure-eight pattern, clapping together at the top of their upstroke to reduce drag and meeting again at the bottom of the downstroke.

From Science News

The photos also revealed that the wings’ downstroke pushed air down.

From Science News For Students

This is characterized by a long sweeping upstroke, and the recurving downstroke cuts the staff about in half.

From Project Gutenberg

The capital letter "D" in Dallas is characterized by a staff or downstroke slanting at about a 30 angle.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the cylinder is cleaned out ready for a fresh supply of pure air to be drawn in on the next ensuing downstroke.

From Project Gutenberg

In the numerals of value the end stroke does not curve back, but slants sharply from the downstroke.

From Project Gutenberg

End of downstroke of right figure "2" nearly touches inner oval line.

From Project Gutenberg