Definition of tympanum
tympana
play \-nə\ alsotympanums
1a (1) : tympanic membrane (2) : middle earb : a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing of an insect — see insect illustrationc : 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 cornicesb : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch
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Illustration of tympanum
Origin and Etymology 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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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tympanum
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