The word "percuss" is spelled with the letters P-E-R-C-U-S-S, with the stress placed on the first syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /pəˈkʌs/. The "p" sound at the beginning is a voiceless bilabial stop, followed by a schwa sound for the unstressed second syllable. The "c" in the middle of the word represents a voiceless palatal stop, while the final "s" is a voiceless alveolar fricative. Overall, this word refers to the act of tapping or striking something repeatedly.
Percuss: verb
To percuss is to strike or tap a surface or object with a sharp or repetitive force in order to produce a sound or determine its characteristics, often as part of a medical examination or musical performance.
In the medical field, for instance, doctors use percussive techniques during physical examinations to evaluate the condition of internal organs or identify abnormalities. They use their fingers or a percussion hammer to strike various parts of the body, primarily the chest or abdomen, creating different sounds. These sounds help detect changes in the underlying tissues, such as fluid accumulation or solid masses.
In the musical context, percussion instruments are played by striking, tapping, or hitting with hands, mallets, or sticks. This action produces distinct and rhythmic sounds that add texture and rhythm to a piece of music. Percussion instruments can vary widely, encompassing drums, cymbals, bells, xylophones, and other instruments designed for striking.
Beyond the medical and musical realms, percuss can also be used metaphorically to describe repetitive or forceful actions that create an impact or effect, much like striking a surface. For example, one might say that a series of devastating setbacks has percussed the company's reputation and profitability.
Overall, to percuss entails striking or tapping a surface or object to create sound, determine characteristics, or induce an effect. The term finds its application in medical examinations, musical performances, and figurative usages, symbolizing forceful actions or consequences.
1. To tap with the finger or a hammer-like instrument (plessor) or a part of the body with a view to determine, by means of the sound elicited, the degree of density of the parts beneath. 2. To make a successior of taps on a part of the body, as a therapeutic measure.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To strike forcibly; to strike in order to ascertain the resulting sound.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "percuss" originates from the Latin verb "percutere", which means "to strike through". "Percuss" entered the English language in the late 16th century, derived from the Latin word "percussus", the past participle of "percutere". This Latin verb is composed of two elements: "per", meaning "through", and "quatere", meaning "to shake" or "to strike". The word "percuss" retains the notion of striking or hitting something, often referring to hitting an object in order to make a sound or assess its condition, as in percussing a musical instrument or percussing the human chest during a physical examination.