percussion

[per-kuhsh-uhn]

noun

1. the striking of one body against another with some sharpness; impact; blow.

2. Medicine/Medical.,  the striking or tapping of the surface of a part of the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

3. the striking of a musical instrument to produce tones.

4. Music.

   1. the section of an orchestra or band comprising the percussion instruments.

   2. the percussion instruments themselves.

5. a sharp blow for detonating a percussion cap or the fuze of an artillery shell.

6. the striking of sound on the ear.

7. the act of percussing.

percussion

/ pəˈkʌʃən /

noun

1. the act, an instance, or an effect of percussing

2. music the family of instruments in which sound arises from the striking of materials with sticks, hammers, or the hands

3. music

   1. instruments of this family constituting a section of an orchestra, band, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a percussion ensemble

4. med the act of percussing a body surface

5. the act of exploding a percussion cap

percussion

1. A family of musical instruments played by striking their surfaces. Percussion instruments are used to accentuate and dramatize certain notes or rhythms and include instruments such as cymbals, drums, triangles, and xylophones. (See kettledrum, snare drum, and orchestra.)

Other Word Forms

• percussional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of percussion¹

1535–45; < Latin percussiōn- (stem of percussiō ) a beating. See percuss, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of percussion¹

C16: from Latin percussiō, from percutere to hit; see _percuss

Example Sentences

Abi Burton, whose game time has been similarly limited, purchased a drum which has expanded into a full percussion support section.

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But I came across her when I was probably around 13 or 14, when she had a documentary on the TV about her teaching percussion to another Deaf student of hers.

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Still, the first orchestral sounds that emanated from the Dudamel designated directorship turned out to be barely heard, while not silent, percussion stirrings.

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Best of all is Allergy – whose flitting percussion adds a casual swagger to Salieu's story of becoming "allergic to the bad vibes" after turning to scripture.

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A 12-piece band of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments provided a musical backdrop in the church patio.

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