tym·pa·num
| \ ˈtim-pə-nəm
\
\
plural tympana\
ˈtim-pə-nə
\ also tympanums
\ also tympanums
Definition of tympanum
1a(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
2a
: 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
1 tympanum 2a
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Cite this Entry
“Tympanum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tympanum. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.
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More Definitions for tympanum
tympanum
noun
English Language Learners Definition of tympanum
: eardrum
See the full definition for tympanum in the English Language Learners Dictionary
tympanum
noun
tym·pa·num
| \ ˈtim-pə-nəm
\
\
plural tympana\
-nə
\ also tympanums
\ also tympanums
Medical Definition of tympanum
2
: middle ear
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Time Traveler for tympanum
The first known use of tympanum was in 1619
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