percussion: Meaning and Definition of

per•cus•sion

Pronunciation: (pur-kush'un), [key]
— n.
  1. the striking of one body against another with some sharpness; impact; blow.
  2. the striking or tapping of the surface of a part of the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
  3. the striking of a musical instrument to produce tones.
    1. the section of an orchestra or band comprising the percussion instruments.
    2. the percussion instruments themselves.
  4. a sharp blow for detonating a percussion cap or the fuze of an artillery shell.
  5. the striking of sound on the ear.
  6. the act of percussing.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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