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Glite Dictionary
percussor

percussor

8.7
A small rubber-headed hammer doctors use to tap parts of the body to test reflexes
  • noun
  • /pərˈkəsər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : percutor
  • The doctor used a percussor to check my knee reflexes during the examination.

Examples

  • She placed the percussor back on the tray after finishing the physical assessment.

  • I need to buy a new percussor for my clinic.

  • A percussor is essential for certain neurological tests.

  • The doctor used a percussor to test my reflexes.

  • The doctor used a percussor to check my knee reflexes during the examination.

  • A percussor is essential for certain neurological tests.

  • She placed the percussor back on the tray after finishing the physical assessment.

Synonyms

plessor
vspercussor
  • Specialized
9.9

A small rubber-headed hammer doctors use to test reflexes

is the same tool but stated without focusing on specific examples
plexor
vspercussor
  • Specialized
9.9

A small hammer with a rubber head that doctors tap on your body to check reflexes

is the same instrument but presented in broader terms without special emphasis

How Big

mallet
10 4.2
percussor
  • Specialized
8.7
finger
  • Archaic
63 9.8

Surface Forms

percussor singular
percussors plural

Morphology

percussor = percuss (semi-transparent) = percuss + or

Formed regularly from the verb 'percuss' with the agentive suffix '-or', but the verb and the instrument sense are relatively rare and specialized.

Etymology

Percussor comes from the Latin word percutere meaning 'to strike' or 'to hit', and you can see the same idea in percussion instruments like drums that are hit. So, a percussor is a small hitting tool, a rubber-headed hammer doctors use to tap your knee and check reflexes.