The word "percussion" is spelled with two Cs and two Ss. The first syllable is stressed, and is pronounced /pər/. The second syllable is pronounced with a strong /k/ sound, represented as /kʌʃən/. The ending "-sion" is a common suffix in English, and is pronounced as /ʃən/. Overall, the IPA transcription for "percussion" is /pərˈkʌʃən/. This word refers to instruments that are struck, shaken, or scraped to produce sound, such as drums, cymbals, and maracas.
Percussion refers to both a musical instrument category and the act of playing instruments in this category. As a category of musical instrument, percussion refers to a diverse group of instruments that produce sound when struck or shaken by a player. This category encompasses a wide range of instruments such as drums, cymbals, tambourines, xylophones, maracas, and many others. Percussion instruments are typically made of various materials including wood, metal, or synthetic materials, and they produce sound through the vibrations created when struck or shaken.
As an act of playing instruments in the percussion category, percussion refers to the technique and skill involved in producing rhythmic and melodic patterns using these instruments. Percussionists are skilled musicians who are trained in the precise and coordinated use of various percussion instruments. Their role in music ensembles varies depending on the genre, ranging from providing a rhythmic foundation in a band or orchestra to taking a leading role in drumming ensembles or percussion groups.
In summary, percussion can be seen as both a category of musical instruments encompassing a wide range of instruments that produce sound when struck or shaken, as well as the act of playing these instruments skillfully to create rhythmic patterns and melodies.
1. A diagnostic procedure designed to determine the density of a part by means of tapping the surface with the finger or a plessor. 2. A form of massage, consisting of repeated blows or taps of varying force.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The effect or impression of sound on the ear; the impression one body makes on another by striking or falling upon it; the act of striking or tapping on the chest, abdomen, &c., that sounds may be produced, by which the condition of the parts may be ascertained.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word percussion comes from the Latin word percussio, which is the past participle of percutere, meaning to strike or to beat. The prefix per means thoroughly, and cutere means to strike. Therefore, percussion literally means a thorough striking or a beating.