Percussion Definition

pər-kŭshən
noun
The striking together of two bodies, especially when noise is produced.
American Heritage
The shock, vibration, etc. resulting from this.
Webster's New World
The hitting or impact of one body against another, as the hammer of a firearm against a cap.
Webster's New World
The striking or tapping of the chest, back, etc. with the fingertips so as to determine from the sound produced the condition of internal organs.
Webster's New World
The percussion instruments of an orchestra, band, etc. or the players of these.
Webster's New World
adjective
Designating a musical instrument in which the tone or sound is produced when some part of it is struck, as a drum, or shaken, as a tambourine or a maraca.
Webster's New World
Of or composed for percussion instruments.
A percussion quartet.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Percussion

Noun

Singular:
percussion
Plural:
percussions

Origin of Percussion

  • Latin percussiō percussiōn- from percussus past participle of percutere to percuss percuss

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin percussiō (“striking"), from percutiō (“I strike").

    From Wiktionary

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