tympanum

tym·pa·num

noun \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

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

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral