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| n. pl. drums 1. a. A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere with a membrane stretched tightly over one or both ends, played by beating with the hands or sticks. b. A sound produced by this instrument. 2. Something resembling a drum in shape or structure, especially a barrellike metal container or a metal cylinder wound with cable, wire, or heavy rope. 3. Architecture a. A circular or polygonal wall supporting a dome or cupola. Also called tambour. b. Any of the cylindrical stone blocks that are stacked to form the shaft of a column. 4. Any of various marine and freshwater fishes of the family Sciaenidae that make a drumming sound by vibrating certain muscles attached to the swim bladder. 5. Anatomy The eardrum. v. drummed, drum·ming, drums v. intr. 1. To play a drum or drums. 2. To thump or tap rhythmically or continually: nervously drummed on the table. 3. To produce a booming, reverberating sound by beating the wings, as certain birds do. v. tr. Phrasal Verb: 1. To perform (a piece or tune) on or as if on a drum. 2. To summon by or as if by beating a drum. 3. To make known to or force upon (a person) by constant repetition: drummed the answers into my head. 4. To expel or dismiss in disgrace. Often used with out: was drummed out of the army. drum up 1. To bring about by continuous, persistent effort: drum up new business. 2. To devise; invent: drummed up an alibi. [Middle English drom, probably alteration of Middle Dutch tromme, ultimately of imitative origin; see TRUMPET.] |
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