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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

From Los Angeles Times

I had to imagine: How do I use these rock ’n’ roll instruments — basically guitar and piano and a little bit of percussion and some backward tape — and create that ominous, rolling vibe?

From Los Angeles Times

"We have loads of that in our stuff... even the little percussion things that they have, like cowbells and stuff. I think it's amazing."

From BBC

Dan Moss, who worked as the store's percussion expert, said that the music store industry was "definitely and gradually dying."

From BBC