ˈtimpənəm noun
( plural tympa·na -nə ; also tympanums )
Etymology: Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin tympanum eardrum, from Latin, drum, architectural panel, from Greek tympanon drum, kettledrum; akin to Greek typtein to strike, beat — more at type
1.
a.
(1) : the tense double membrane separating the outer and middle ear : tympanic membrane — called also eardrum
(2) : middle ear
b. : a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing (as in the leg) of an insect — see insect illustration
c.
(1) : a membrane in a sound-producing organ that acts as a resonator
(2) : tracheal tympanum
d. : one of the naked areas on the neck of the prairie chicken and other grouse that are expanded when the esophagus is inflated in display
2.
a. : the recessed face of a pediment situated within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices and usually shaped like a triangle or panel
b. : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch spanning the opening below the arch
3. : tympan 1a
4. : a water-raising wheel resembling a Persian wheel
5. : epiphragm 2a
6. : the diaphragm of a telephone
[s]tympanum.jpg[/s] [
1 tympanum 2a
]