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downbeat definition

down·beat (do̵un′bēt′)

noun

  1. a downward trend; downswing
  2. Music
    1. the downward stroke of the conductor's hand or baton indicating the first beat of each measure
    2. such a beat

adjective

Informal grimly realistic; depressing

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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