Definition of: tom-tom

(tom′tom′) noun
1. The native drum of India, Africa, etc., variously shaped, and usually beaten with the hands.
2. A percussion instrument of monotonous tone, used in some modern orchestras for special effects.
3. A copper or copper–alloy disk–shaped instrument sounded with a felt–covered hammer or stick; a Chinese gong. Also spelled tam–tam. [<Hind. tamtam, imit. of the instrument's sound]