Definition of: percussion

(pər·kush′ən) noun
1. The sharp striking of one body against another; sudden collision, especially such as causes a shock or sound.
2. The act of striking the percussion cap in a firearm.
3. The shock or vibration produced by collision; the impression of sound upon the ear.
4. Med. A light, quick tapping of the finger tips upon the back, chest, or abdomen, for determining, by the resonance, the condition of the organ beneath.
5. Those musical instruments, collectively, whose tone is produced by striking or hitting, as the timpani, glockenspiel, piano, etc.
—adjective Pertaining to or operating by percussion; percussive: percussion cap, percussion lock.
—per·cus′sive (-kus′iv) adjective
—per·cus′sive·ly adverb
—per·cus′sive·ness noun