The Spanish word 'percusión' comes from the Latin word 'percussio', meaning 'striking' or 'beat'. This Latin term was derived from the verb 'percutere', which meant 'to strike through'. The word maintained its connection to striking or hitting throughout its evolution from Latin to Spanish, and today refers to percussion instruments or the act of striking something.

Some related Spanish words include 'percutir' (to strike or hit), 'percusor' (striker or hammer), and 'repercutir' (to reverberate or have an effect). All these words share the same Latin root 'percutere' and maintain meanings related to striking, hitting, or impact.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'percussion', 'percussive', and 'percussionist'. These English cognates come from the same Latin root and similarly relate to striking or hitting. The word 'percussion' is particularly familiar in musical contexts, referring to instruments that are played by striking, such as drums, cymbals, and xylophones.