Percussion: meaning, definitions and examples
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percussion
[pəˈkʌʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
music
The striking of one body against another with some sharpness; collision; as, a percussion of the brain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| percussion |
Used in the context of music to describe instruments that produce sound when struck.
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| impact |
Describes a strong effect or influence, often used in scientific, dramatic, or formal contexts to denote a powerful collision or effect.
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| strike |
Typically used to describe a sudden, forceful action, often in more formal contexts. Can also refer to work stoppage in the context of labor disputes.
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| hit |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe an act of forcefully touching or striking someone or something. Often implies a direct and forceful action.
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Examples of usage
- The percussion of the drum added rhythm to the music.
- She played the percussion instruments with great skill.
- The percussion section of the orchestra includes drums and cymbals.
medicine
The act of tapping or striking the surface of the body in order to detect evidence of fluid within a cavity, determine the density of a part, dislodge calculi, etc.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| percussion |
Often used in musical contexts to describe instruments that are played by striking, such as drums, or the act of playing these instruments.
|
| tap |
Used to describe a light or gentle touch, often with the fingers. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses.
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| strike |
Formal term often used in contexts such as sports, labor actions, or military. It can also imply a more intense or powerful hit.
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| hit |
General term used to describe any action of striking something with force. Often associated with physical actions, sports, or impacts.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor performed a percussion on the patient's chest to check for fluid buildup.
- Percussion is often used to diagnose conditions in the abdomen.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'percussio', meaning 'a striking', which ties closely to how these instruments produce sound.
- The root 'percutere' in Latin means 'to strike through', emphasizing the action of hitting to make music.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, percussion instruments are used in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing communication with ancestral spirits.
- African drumming traditions often use percussion to tell stories and share histories, connecting communities.
Science of Sound
- Percussion sounds are produced by vibrations that travel through the air, creating sound waves that we can hear.
- The pitch of a percussion instrument depends on its size and the material it’s made from; smaller or tighter objects produce higher pitches.
History
- Some of the oldest musical instruments found by archaeologists are percussion instruments, dating back thousands of years.
- Drum-like instruments have been essential in military communication for centuries, used to relay orders during battles.
Pop Culture
- Percussion plays a vital role in many music genres, including jazz, rock, and classical, often driving the rhythm of a song.
- Famous drummers like Buddy Rich and Ringo Starr have revolutionized how percussion is perceived in popular music.
Translations
Translations of the word "percussion" in other languages:
🇵🇹 percussão
🇮🇳 तालवाद्य
🇩🇪 Schlagzeug
🇮🇩 perkusi
🇺🇦 ударні інструменти
🇵🇱 perkusja
🇯🇵 打楽器 (だがっき)
🇫🇷 percussion
🇪🇸 percusión
🇹🇷 perküsyon
🇰🇷 타악기 (타악기)
🇸🇦 إيقاع
🇨🇿 bicí nástroje
🇸🇰 bicie nástroje
🇨🇳 打击乐 (dǎjíyuè)
🇸🇮 tolkala
🇮🇸 slagverk
🇰🇿 ұрып ойнайтын аспаптар
🇬🇪 დასარტყმელი ინსტრუმენტები
🇦🇿 zərb alətləri
🇲🇽 percusión