timpani
or tym·pa·ni
[ tim-puh-nee ]
/ ˈtɪm pə ni /
noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
a set of kettledrums, especially as used in an orchestra or band.
Origin of timpani
< Italian, plural of
timpano kettledrum < Latin
tympanum < Greek
týmpanon
OTHER WORDS FROM timpani
tim·pa·nist, nounWords nearby timpani
timoshenko,
timothy,
timothy grass,
timothy hay bacillus,
timour,
timpani,
timpanogos,
timpanum,
timrod,
timucu,
timur
British Dictionary definitions for timpani
timpani
tympani
/ (ˈtɪmpənɪ) /
pl n
(sometimes functioning as singular)
a set of kettledrums, two or more in number
Often (informal) shortened to: timps
Derived forms of timpani
timpanist or tympanist, nounWord Origin for timpani
from Italian, pl of
timpano kettledrum, from Latin:
tympanum
Cultural definitions for timpani
timpani
[ (tim-puh-nee) ]
Italian for kettledrums; the term timpani is often preferred by composers and performers.