First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
percussion
noun per·cus·sion \pər-ˈkə-shən\
: musical instruments (such as drums, cymbals, or xylophones) that you play by hitting or shaking
Full 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
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Origin of PERCUSSION
Middle English, from Anglo-French percussioun, from Latin percussion-, percussio, from percutere to beat, from per- thoroughly + quatere to shake
Rhymes with PERCUSSION
PERCUSSION Defined for Kids
percussion
noun per·cus·sion \pər-ˈkə-shən\
Definition of PERCUSSION for Kids
: the musical instruments (as drums, cymbals, and maracas) that are played by striking or shaking
— percussion adjective
Medical Dictionary
percussion
noun per·cus·sion \pər-ˈkəsh-ən\
Medical Definition of PERCUSSION
1
: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resulting sound
2
: massage consisting of the striking of a body part with light rapid blows—called also tapotement
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