Dictionary
tympanum
noun tym·pa·num \ˈtim-pə-nəm\
plural tym·pa·na\-nə\ also tym·pa·nums
Definition of TYMPANUM
1
a (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
2
a : 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
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Illustration of TYMPANUM
Origin of TYMPANUM
Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin, eardrum, from Latin, drum, architectural panel, from Greek tympanon drum, kettledrum; perhaps akin to Greek typtein to beat
First Known Use: 1619
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Medical Dictionary
tympanum
noun tym·pa·num \ˈtim-pə-nəm\
plural tym·pa·na \-nə\ also tym·pa·nums
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