percussion instrument

/pə:'kʌʃn'instrumənt/

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Explanation of "Percussion Instrument"

Definition: A percussion instrument is a type of musical instrument that makes sound when one object hits another. This can involve striking, shaking, or scraping.

Usage Instructions

When you talk about percussion instruments, you can use them in sentences to refer to specific instruments or to discuss the entire category. Here are some examples:

Examples of Percussion Instruments

1. Drums - Played by hitting with sticks.
2. Tambourine - A hand-held instrument shaken or struck.
3. Maracas - Shaken to create sound.
4. Cymbals - Struck against each other.

Advanced Usage

In advanced discussions, you might talk about the role of percussion instruments in different music genres or their importance in an orchestra. For example:

Word Variants

• Percussion (noun): Refers to the act of striking one object against another or the category of percussion instruments as a whole.
• Percussionist (noun): A musician who plays percussion instruments.

Different Meanings

• Percussion can also refer to the act of hitting something or a technique used in medical examinations (like tapping on the body to listen to sounds).

Synonyms

• Drum (specific type)
• Rhythm instrument (broader term)
• Tuned percussion (refers to instruments like xylophones that can be tuned to specific notes)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there aren't common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "percussion instrument," you might hear phrases like:

Summary

A percussion instrument is a musical tool that creates sound through striking actions. This category includes various instruments like drums and tambourines, and it's an essential part of many music styles.

Academic

Noun

1. a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another

Synonyms

• percussive instrument