The term 'drum roll' is a sound effect used to create suspense or excitement. It is usually created by rolling a stick on a drum in a continuous pattern. The crossword solutions for this term are 'ROULADE' (7 letters), 'DIAN' (4 letters), and 'ratatat' (7 letters). ROULADE is a musical term referring to a rapid sequence of notes, while DIAN is a Chinese percussion instrument similar to a tambourine. Ratatat is an onomatopoeic word used to describe a rapid succession of sounds, such as those made by a drum roll.