drum
Pronunciation: (drum), [key]
— n., pl. v., drums, drum, drummed, drum•ming.
—n.
- a musical percussion instrument consisting of a hollow, usually cylindrical, body covered at one or both ends with a tightly stretched membrane, or head, which is struck with the hand, a stick, or a pair of sticks, and typically produces a booming, tapping, or hollow sound.
- any hollow tree or similar object or device used in this way.
- the sound produced by such an instrument, object, or device.
- any rumbling or deep booming sound.
- a natural organ by which an animal produces a loud or bass sound.
- eardrum.
- any cylindrical object with flat ends.
- a cylindrical part of a machine.
- a cylindrical box or receptacle, esp. a large, metal one for storing or transporting liquids.
- Also called
- any of several cylindrical or nearly cylindrical stones laid one above the other to form a column or pier.
- a cylindrical or faceted construction supporting a dome.
- any of several marine and freshwater fishes of the family Sciaenidae that produce a drumming sound.
- See
- an assembly of fashionable people at a private house in the evening.
- a person who plays the drum.
- reliable, confidential, or profitable information: to give someone the drum.
- to promote, publicize, or advertise: The boss is out beating the drum for a new product.
—v.i.
- to beat or play a drum.
- to beat on anything rhythmically, esp. to tap one's fingers rhythmically on a hard surface.
- to make a sound like that of a drum; resound.
- (of ruffed grouse and other birds) to produce a sound resembling drumming.
—v.t.
- to beat (a drum) rhythmically; perform by beating a drum: to drum a rhythm for dancers.
- to call or summon by, or as if by, beating a drum.
- to drive or force by persistent repetition: to drum an idea into someone.
- to fill a drum with; store in a drum: to drum contaminated water and dispose of it.
- He was drummed out of the university for his gambling activities.
- (formerly) to expel or dismiss from a military service in disgrace to the beat of a drum.
- to dismiss in disgrace:He was drummed out of the university for his gambling activities.
- They were unable to drum up enthusiasm for the new policies.
- to call or summon by, or as if by, beating a drum.
- to obtain or create (customers, trade, interest, etc.) through vigorous effort:They were unable to drum up enthusiasm for the new policies.
- to concoct; devise:to drum up new methods of dealing with urban crime.
drum
Pronunciation: (drum), [key]
— n. Scot., Irish Eng.
- a long, narrow hill or ridge.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.