Meaning & Definition of word "Percussion"

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    Percussion

    /pərˈkʌʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. The striking of one body against another; a musical form in which sound is produced by striking instruments.
      • Example: The orchestra included a wide range of percussion instruments like drums and cymbals.
    • 2. The act of hitting or striking an object to produce sound.
      • Example: During the lesson, the teacher demonstrated the percussion of the xylophone.
    • 3. A method of physical examination of the body by tapping on its surface.
      • Example: The doctor used percussion to check for fluid in the patient's lungs.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'percussio', meaning 'a striking'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    percussionist:

    A person who plays percussion instruments.

    percussive sound:

    A sound produced by striking, typical of percussion instruments.

    percussion ensemble:

    A group of musicians who play percussion instruments.

    Related Words

    drum:

    A percussion instrument that produces sound by being struck.

    cymbal:

    A thin, circular plate of brass that produces a loud sound when struck.

    marimba:

    A percussion instrument consisting of wooden bars struck with mallets.

    Slang Meanings of percussion

    Meaning: A loud or striking performance.

    Example Sentence: That party was a total percussion, everybody was dancing!

    Meaning: A heavy impact or collision.

    Example Sentence: The car crash was a percussion that startled everyone nearby.