down-bow

[ doun-boh ]

noun

, Music.

1. (in bowing bow on a stringed instrument) a stroke bringing the tip of the bow toward the strings, indicated in scores by the symbol  ( up-bow ).

down-bow

/ ˈdaʊnˌbəʊ /

noun

1. a downward stroke of the bow from its nut to its tip across a stringed instrument Compare up-bow

Word History and Origins

Origin of down-bow¹

First recorded in 1890–95; down ¹ + bow ²

Example Sentences

The cleft was so deep that the stern of the boat was, when she was laid down bow foremost, fully fifteen feet inside the entrance.

From Project Gutenberg

As a violinist Vieuxtemps possessed a wonderful staccato, both on the up and down bow.

From Project Gutenberg

Artists of the German school are more apt to begin a phrase with a down-bow; the French start playing a good deal at the point.

From Project Gutenberg

Chords of this description are usually taken with down bow-strokes.

From Project Gutenberg

Her big stern rose up in the air and she went down bow first.

From Project Gutenberg