percussion
Definitions
Musical instruments played by striking or shaking, such as drums and cymbals; the section of an orchestra that plays them
打击乐器；（管弦乐队的）打击乐声部
The act of striking one thing against another; (medicine) tapping the body to judge the sound inside
敲击；撞击；（医学）叩诊
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (through) + cuss (from quatere, strike) + -ion (act) = the act of striking thoroughly. Drums, cymbals and bells make sound only when struck, so the whole class of struck instruments is "percussion." The most literal survivor of the root — it still just means hitting.
Root cuss still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Usually uncountable, even though it covers many instruments: "the percussion is loud," "plays percussion." In medicine, percussion is a diagnostic technique — tapping the chest or abdomen and listening to the resonance.
Example Sentences
- 1.
He plays percussion in the school orchestra.
- 2.
The song opens with heavy drums and other percussion.
- 3.
The doctor used percussion to check the patient's lungs.