n. 1 Mus. a (often attrib.) the playing of music by striking instruments with sticks etc. (a percussion band). b the section of such instruments in an orchestra (asked the percussion to stay behind). 2 Med. the act or an instance of percussing. 3 the forcible striking of one esp. solid body against another. percussion cap a small amount of explosive powder contained in metal or paper and exploded by striking, used esp. in toy guns and formerly in some firearms. percussionist n. percussive adj. percussively adv. percussiveness n.
[ F percussion or L percussio (as PERCUSS) ]