tympanum

One entry found for tympanum.

Main Entry: tym·pa·num
Pronunciation: 'tim-p&-n&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural tym·pa·na /-n& /; also -nums
Etymology: Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin, eardrum, from Latin, drum, architectural panel, from Greek tympanon drum, kettledrum; perhaps akin to Greek typtein to beat
1 a (1) : TYMPANIC MEMBRANE (2) : MIDDLE EAR b : a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing of an insect -- see INSECT illustration c : a membranous resonator in a sound-producing organ
2 a : the recessed usually triangular face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices b : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch
[tympanum illustration]