percussion
What does "percussion" mean?
Percussion refers to the action of striking one object against another to produce sound, most commonly associated with musical instruments that are hit, shaken, or scraped. The mental image is the physical impact—the drumstick hitting the skin, the clash of cymbals, or the vibration of a tambourine. In a medical context, the term describes a diagnostic technique where a doctor taps on a patient's body to listen to the sounds produced by internal organs. While the musical usage is universal, the medical usage is strictly formal and technical.
"percussion" in conversation
Joining a band
Do you need a drummer for the new project?
We actually need more percussion, like shakers or woodblocks.
Percussion is often used as a collective noun for non-drum instruments.
At a doctor's office
I’m going to perform some percussion on your abdomen now.
That sounds a bit strange, but go ahead.
This demonstrates the formal, medical usage of the word.
"percussion" in a sentence
The percussion section of the orchestra was very loud today.
The percussion section of the orchestra was very loud today.
He has a natural talent for playing various percussion instruments.
He has a natural talent for playing various percussion instruments.
The physician used percussion to assess the density of the patient's lungs.
The physician used percussion to assess the density of the patient's lungs.
