/tim"beuhl/ , n.
1. a kettledrum.
2. Entomol. a vibrating membrane in certain insects, as the cicada.
Also, tymbal .
[ 1670-80; timbale, alter. (by assoc. with cymbale CYMBAL) of tamballe, itself alter. (by assoc. with tambour drum, TAMBOUR) of Sp atabal al tabl the drum ]