upstroke

noun

up·​stroke ˈəp-ˌstrōk How to pronounce upstroke (audio)
: a stroke (as of a pen) made in an upward direction

Examples of upstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hummingbirds are the only birds that create lift from both their upstrokes and downstrokes. Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 Unlike most birds, hummingbirds can get a substantial amount of weight support and thrust from their upstroke, not just their downstroke. Michael B. Habib, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 Perhaps at a certain frequency the upstroke of a dolphin’s tail would load energy into the subdermal sheath, which would then spring back, helping push the tail through its downstroke. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 One of them is the upstroke—almost picture a bassist, with their index and middle finger. Ryan Dombal, Pitchfork, 31 Aug. 2023 The receiving partner leads on rocking with the upstroke and the penetrating partner leads on the downstroke. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 10 July 2023 Apply in upstrokes from your ankles to your thighs for a bit of tingling and temporary tightening. Maddie Aberman, Women's Health, 27 June 2023 Perhaps more compellingly, its shoulder joint would have prevented it from lifting its wings far enough to carry out a full upstroke. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2010 After the powerful downward flap, birds fold the wing slightly inwards during the upstroke. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 3 Mar. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upstroke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upstroke was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near upstroke

Cite this Entry

“Upstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upstroke. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

upstroke

noun
up·​stroke ˈəp-ˌstrōk How to pronounce upstroke (audio)
: an upward stroke (as of a pen)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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