1 tympana | Definition of tympana
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tympanum

noun
tym·​pa·​num | \ ˈtim-pÉ™-nÉ™m How to pronounce tympanum (audio) \
plural tympana\ ˈtim-​pÉ™-​nÉ™ How to pronounce tympana (audio) \ also tympanums

Definition of tympanum

1a(1) : tympanic membrane
(2) : middle ear
b : a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing of an insect — see insect illustration
c : a membranous resonator in a sound-producing organ
2a : the recessed usually triangular face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices
b : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch

Illustration of tympanum

Illustration of tympanum

1 tympanum 2a

First Known Use of tympanum

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

History and Etymology for tympanum

Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin, eardrum, from Latin, drum, architectural panel, from Greek tympanon drum, kettledrum; perhaps akin to Greek typtein to beat

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for tympanum

tympanum

noun
tym·​pa·​num | \ ˈtim-pÉ™-nÉ™m How to pronounce tympanum (audio) \
plural tympana\ -​nÉ™ How to pronounce tympana (audio) \ also tympanums

Medical Definition of tympanum

1 : tympanic membrane
2 : middle ear

More from Merriam-Webster on tympanum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tympanum

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!