As a noun, it is a musical instrument made of a hollow body covered with a tight skin or material that makes sound when hit. As a verb, it means to beat or tap rhythmically, often on a surface.
From Middle Dutch 'tromme' or Middle Low German 'drumme', meaning 'drum', probably imitative of the sound. It entered English in the 16th century. The basic meaning of a percussion instrument has remained the same.
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