tymbal

noun

tym·​bal ˈtim-bəl How to pronounce tymbal (audio)
: the vibrating membrane in the shrilling organ of a cicada

Examples of tymbal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The loud, buzzing drone cicadas make is actually a mating song emitted by male insects, flexing a drumlike organ called a tymbal. Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 23 May 2021 Male cicadas have a special ribbed organ called a tymbal. Dustin Barnes, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2021 Males vibrate a special drum-like organ in their bodies called a tymbal to attract females. Lauren Cox, Popular Mechanics, 14 June 2020 The bug was making quite a commotion, beating its wings rapidly while emitting a loud, buzzing noise with its tymbals. Kevin Ambrose, Washington Post, 30 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

alteration of timbal

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tymbal was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near tymbal

Cite this Entry

“Tymbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tymbal. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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