I. ˈdrəm noun
Etymology: probably from Dutch trom; akin to Middle High German trumme drum
Date: 1539
1. : a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell or cylinder with a drumhead stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with the hands or with some implement (as a stick or wire brush)
2. : tympanic membrane
3. : the sound of a drum ; also : a sound similar to that of a drum
4. : any of various chiefly marine bony fishes (family Sciaenidae) that make a drumming or croaking noise using their air bladder and associated muscles
5. : something resembling a drum in shape: as
a.
(1) : any of the cylindrical blocks that form the shaft of a column
(2) : a round wall or structure that supports a dome
b. : a cylindrical machine or mechanical device or part
c. : a cylindrical container ; specifically : a large usually metal container for liquids
a 55-gallon drum
d. : a disk-shaped magazine for an automatic weapon
• drum·like -ˌlīk adjective
[
drum 1: 1 bass, 2 snare (orchestra), 3 snare (parade)
]
II. verb
( drummed ; drum·ming )
Date: 1583
intransitive verb
1. : to make a succession of strokes or vibrations that produce sounds like drumbeats
2. : to beat a drum
3. : to throb or sound rhythmically
4. : to stir up interest : solicit
transitive verb
1. : to summon or enlist by or as if by beating a drum
were drummed into service
2. : to dismiss ignominiously : expel — usually used with out
3. : to drive or force by steady effort or reiteration
drummed the speech into her head
4.
a. : to strike or tap repeatedly
b. : to produce (rhythmic sounds) by such action
III. noun
Etymology: Scottish Gaelic druim back, ridge, from Old Irish druimm
Date: 1725
1. chiefly Scottish : a long narrow hill or ridge
2. : drumlin