tympanum
[ tim-puh-nuh m ]
/ ˈtɪm pə nəm /
noun, plural tym·pa·nums, tym·pa·na [tim-puh-nuh] /ˈtɪm pə nə/.
Anatomy, Zoology.
Architecture.
- the recessed, usually triangular space enclosed between the horizontal and sloping cornices of a pediment, often decorated with sculpture.
- 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
Words nearby tympanum
tympanoplasty,
tympanostomy,
tympanostomy tube,
tympanotomy,
tympanous,
tympanum,
tympany,
tyndale,
tyndall,
tyndall beam,
tyndall effect
Example sentences from the Web for tympanum
British Dictionary definitions for tympanum
tympanum
/ (ˈtɪmpənəm) /
noun plural -nums or -na (-nə)
- the cavity of the middle ear
- another name for tympanic membrane
any diaphragm resembling that in the middle ear in function
Also called: tympan architect
- the recessed space bounded by the cornices of a pediment, esp one that is triangular in shape and ornamented
- 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