[per-kuhsh-uh
n] 
| 1. | the striking of one body against another with some sharpness; impact; blow. |
| 2. | Medicine/Medical. the striking or tapping of the surface of a part of the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. |
| 3. | the striking of a musical instrument to produce tones. |
| 4. | Music.
|
| 5. | a sharp blow for detonating a percussion cap or the fuze of an artillery shell. |
| 6. | the striking of sound on the ear. |
| 7. | the act of percussing. |
| per·cus·sion (pər-kŭsh'ən) n.
[Latin percussiō, percussiōn-, from percussus, past participle of percutere, to percuss; see percuss.] |
A family of musical instruments played by striking their surfaces. Percussion instruments are used to accentuate and dramatize certain notes or rhythms and include instruments such as cymbals, drums, triangles, and xylophones. (See kettledrum, snare drum, and orchestra.)
percussion per·cus·sion (pər-kŭsh'ən)
n.
A method of medical diagnosis in which various areas of the body, especially the chest, back, and abdomen, are tapped with the finger or a plexor to determine by resonance the condition of internal organs.
percussion
in medicine, diagnostic procedure that entails striking the body directly or indirectly with short, sharp taps of a finger or, rarely, a hammer. The procedure was first described in 1761 by the Austrian physician Leopold Auenbrugger von Auenbrugg. Although generally ignored by his contemporaries, it is now routinely employed. The sounds produced by the procedure are helpful in determining the size and position of various internal organs, in revealing the presence of fluid or air in the chest, and in aiding in the diagnosis of certain lung disorders.
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