A "brushstroke" refers to the distinctive mark or texture resulting from the application of paint to a canvas using a brush. It is essentially the visible trace left by the brush on the surface of the painting, which can vary in thickness, direction, and style, contributing to the overall artistic effect.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Distinctive effect of paint applied to a canvas. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.