The action of pulling or picking something quickly with your fingers, or playing a stringed instrument by pulling the strings rather than using a bow.
From Middle English 'plucken,' related to Old English 'ploccian.' The word is imitative in origin, mimicking the sound and action of pulling. It's been used for both removing items and playing instruments since medieval times.
Plucking vs. bowing a violin isn't just a different technique—it literally changes the physics of sound! Plucking creates a percussive attack while bowing creates sustained tones, which is why orchestras sound so different from solo guitarists, even playing the same notes.
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