Definition of "percussion" []

• The striking together of two bodies, especially when noise is produced. (noun)
• The sound, vibration, or shock caused by the striking together of two bodies. (noun)
• The act of detonating a percussion cap in a firearm. (noun)
• A method of medical diagnosis in which various areas of the body, especially the chest, back, and abdomen, are tapped to determine by resonance the condition of internal organs. (noun)
• Music The section of a band or orchestra composed of percussion instruments. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Come stick upon us for an exhilarating as well as singular Latin percussion unison featuring."
• "On works like "Dex Mex" and "Seventh Avenue South," the percussion is so intrinsically integrated into the tune that it was no surprise to learn they were both compositions of Victor Lewis."
• "I've played piano since I was four, been singing almost as long, played trumpet and French horn during my band years and even dabbled in percussion by playing in what's known as "the pit" (the xylophone, marimba, etc.) when I was in drum corps."