tympanites

noun tym·pa·ni·tes \ˌtim-pə-ˈnī-tēz\

Definition of TYMPANITES

: a distension of the abdomen caused by accumulation of gas in the intestinal tract or peritoneal cavity

— tym·pa·nit·ic \-ˈni-tik\ adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek tympanitēs, from tympanon

First Known Use: 14th century

Medical Dictionary

noun tym·pa·ni·tes \ˌtim-pə-ˈnīt-ēz\

: a distension of the abdomen caused by accumulation of gas in the intestinal tract or peritoneal cavity

Next Word in the Dictionary: tympanitisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: tympanismAll Words Near: tympanites

What made you want to look up tympanites? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears