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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
percussionist n. percussive adj. percussively adv. percussiveness n.
Etymology: F percussion or L percussio (as PERCUSS)