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tympanic membrane

noun

Definition of tympanic membrane

: a thin membrane that closes externally the cavity of the middle ear and functions in the mechanical reception of sound waves and in their transmission to the site of sensory reception

— called also eardrum

— see ear illustration

Examples of tympanic membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Your eardrum, also known as your tympanic membrane, is where your middle ear begins. — Amber Brenza, SELF, "Why Do My Earbuds Always Fall Out?," 4 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tympanic membrane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tympanic membrane

1855, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for tympanic membrane

tympanic membrane

noun

Medical Definition of tympanic membrane

: a thin membrane separating the middle ear from the inner part of the external auditory canal that vibrates in response to sound energy and transmits the resulting mechanical vibrations to the structures of the middle ear

— called also eardrum, tympanum

More from Merriam-Webster on tympanic membrane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tympanic membrane

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