tympanum

[ tim-puh-nuh m ]
/ ˈtɪm pə nəm /

noun, plural tym·pa·nums, tym·pa·na [tim-puh-nuh] /ˈtɪm pə nə/.

Anatomy, Zoology.
  1. middle ear.
  2. tympanic membrane.
Architecture.
  1. the recessed, usually triangular space enclosed between the horizontal and sloping cornices of a pediment, often decorated with sculpture.
  2. a similar space between an arch and the horizontal head of a door or window below.
Electricity. the diaphragm of a telephone.
a drum or similar instrument.
the stretched membrane forming a drumhead.

Origin of tympanum

1610–20; < Latin < Greek týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike

Example sentences from the Web for tympanum

British Dictionary definitions for tympanum

tympanum
/ (ˈtɪmpənəm) /

noun plural -nums or -na (-nə)

  1. the cavity of the middle ear
  2. another name for tympanic membrane
any diaphragm resembling that in the middle ear in function
Also called: tympan architect
  1. the recessed space bounded by the cornices of a pediment, esp one that is triangular in shape and ornamented
  2. the recessed space bounded by an arch and the lintel of a doorway or window below it
music a tympan or drum
a scoop wheel for raising water

Word Origin for tympanum

C17: from Latin, from Greek tumpanon drum; related to Greek tuptein to beat

Medical definitions for tympanum

tympanum

n. pl. tym•pa•nums

middle ear
eardrum