percussion — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The collision of two bodies in order to produce a sound.

   Usage

   • Countable

2. The sound so produced.

   Usage

   • Countable

3. The detonation of a percussion cap in a firearm.

   Usage

   • Countable

4. The tapping of the body as an aid to medical diagnosis.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

5. The section of an orchestra or band containing percussion instruments; such instruments considered as a group; in bands, may be separate from drum kits.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

6. The repeated striking of an object to break or shape it, as in percussion drilling.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Moreover, a perfect Medal has its Profile and out-ſtroaks ſharp (Nummus aſper) and by no means rugged; the Figures clean and well poliſh'd; the Contours neatly trimm'd, and exactly round and carefully preſerv'd; that the Extancy and Relievos correſpond with the Ingraving, and have not ſuffer'd in Percuſſion; in all which, there is a certain Spirit of Antiquity and Excellency to be diſcern'd in Antient Medals almoſt inimitable.

7. The outer side of the hand.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. the act of playing a percussion instrument

   Broader terms

   music

2. the act of exploding a percussion cap

   Broader terms

   detonation

3. the section of a band or orchestra that plays percussion instruments

   Synonyms

   percussion sectionrhythm section

   Broader terms

   section

4. tapping a part of the body for diagnostic purposes

   Synonyms

   pleximetry

   Broader terms

   auscultation