Smykové

Smyčkové is a Czech adjective meaning bowed, used in musical terminology to describe instruments and groups of instruments that are played with a bow. It is commonly applied to the string family in contrast to other instrument families such as wind (dřevěné) or percussion (bicí).

In practice, smyčkové is most often encountered in phrases like smyčkové nástroje (bowed instruments), which include violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The term is also used for classifications within orchestras and chamber ensembles, for example smyčkové kvarteto (string quartet) or smyčkové sekce (string section). The concept highlights the technique of bowing as the primary method of sound production for these instruments, as opposed to plucked or struck approaches.

Etymologically, the term derives from the Czech root related to bowing (to stroke or draw with a bow) and is closely related to the verb smýkat or related noun forms. In Slovak, a cognate form smyčkové is used with similar meaning and usage in reference to bowed instruments.

Notes and related terms: smyčce is the plural noun for bowed strings themselves, and smyčkové nástroje is often used alongside broader musical classifications such as dřevěné nástroje (woodwinds) and bicí nástroje (percussion). In onomastics, Smykové does not denote a widely recognized place or standard surname in a musical sense, and occurrences are primarily seen in linguistic and musicological contexts.