pizzicato
/ˌpɪtsɪˈkɑtoʊ/
noun
- A note or passage played by plucking the strings of a violin, cello, or other stringed instrument with the finger instead of using the bow.
- The piece ends with a soft pizzicato that fades away.
- The conductor asked for a crisp pizzicato from the violins.
- She practiced the pizzicato section until her fingertips were sore.
adverb
- In a manner that instructs a string player to pluck the strings rather than bow them.
- The sheet music said to play the passage pizzicato.
- During the dance, the orchestra played pizzicato to mimic the sound of castanets.
- The cellist switched to playing pizzicato for the folk melody.
Antonyms