percussion

per·cus·sion

noun \pər-ˈkə-shən\

Definition of PERCUSSION

1

: the act of percussing: as a : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm b : the beating or striking of a musical instrument c : the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resultant sound

2

: the striking of sound on the ear

3

: percussion instruments that form a section of a band or orchestra

— percussion adjective

Examples of PERCUSSION

1. He plays percussion for the band.
2. The marimba is a percussion instrument.

Origin of PERCUSSION

Middle English, from Anglo-French percussioun, from Latin percussion-, percussio, from percutere to beat, from per- thoroughly + quatere to shake

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with PERCUSSION

concussion, discussion