Nearby Words
noun, plural -nums, -na 
[-nuh] .
[-nuh] . 1.
2.
Architecture.
a.
the recessed, usually triangular space enclosed between the horizontal and sloping cornices of a pediment, often decorated with sculpture.
b.
a similar space between an arch and the horizontal head of a door or window below.
3.
Electricity. the diaphragm of a telephone.
4.
a drum or similar instrument.
5.
the stretched membrane forming a drumhead.
Origin:
1610–20; < Latin < Greek týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike
1610–20; < Latin < Greek týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Tympanum
is always a great word to know.
So is colon. Does it mean:
| originating outside the anatomical limits of certain muscles or nerves |
| the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum, where the large intestine begins, to the rectum |
Collins
World English Dictionary
| tympanum (ˈtɪmpənəm) | |
| —n , pl -nums, -na | |
| 1. | a. the cavity of the middle ear |
| b. another name for tympanic membrane | |
| 2. | any diaphragm resembling that in the middle ear in function |
| 3. | architect Also called: tympan |
| a. the recessed space bounded by the cornices of a pediment, esp one that is triangular in shape and ornamented | |
| b. the recessed space bounded by an arch and the lintel of a doorway or window below it | |
| 4. | music a tympan or drum |
| 5. | a scoop wheel for raising water |
| [C17: from Latin, from Greek tumpanon drum; related to Greek tuptein to beat] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
tympanum
"drum of the ear," 1619, from M.L. tympanum, introduced in this sense by It. anatomist Gabriele Fallopio (1523-62), from L. tympanum "drum," from Gk. tympanon "a drum, panel of a door," from root of typtein "to beat, strike" (see type). Cf. O.E. timpan "drum, timbrel, tambourine,"
EXPANDFrom L. tympanum. The modern meaning "a drum" is attested in Eng. from 1675. Tympanist "one who plays on a drum" is recorded from 1611; since mid-19c. specifically of players on kettledrums.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
tympanum tym·pa·num or tim·pa·num (tĭm'pə-nəm)
n. tym·pa·nums or tym·pa·na (-nə)
See middle ear.
See eardrum.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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