[ 'tambʊə , -bɔ: ]
■ noun
1》 historical a small drum.
2》 a circular frame for holding fabric taut while it is being embroidered.
3》 Architecture a wall of circular plan, such as one supporting a dome.
↘each of the cylindrical stones forming the shaft of a column.
4》 a lobby enclosed by a ceiling and folding doors to prevent draughts.
↘a sliding flexible shutter or door.
5》 a sloping buttress or projection in a real tennis or fives court.
■ verb [often as adjective ~ed ] decorate or embroider on a ~.
Origin
C15: from Fr. ~ 'drum'; perh. related to Pers. tabīra 'drum'; cf. tabor .