n.
Pronunciation: ' tam- ˌ bu ̇ r, tam- '
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, drum, from Arabic ṭ anb ū r, modification of Persian tab ī r
Date: 15th century
1 : 1 DRUM 1
2 a : an embroidery frame especially : a set of two interlocking hoops between which cloth is stretched before stitching b : embroidery made on a tambour frame
3 : a shallow metallic cup or drum with a thin elastic membrane supporting a writing lever used to transmit and register slight motions (as arterial pulsations)
4 : a rolling top or front (as of a rolltop desk) of narrow strips of wood glued on canvas