tympanum
Use Tympanum in a sentence
pə noun, plural tym·pa·nums, tym·pa·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. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To tympanum
00:10
Tympanum
is always a great word to know.
So is ort. Does it mean:
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
tympanum (ˈtɪmpənəm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —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
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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,"
From 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.
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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Example sentences
The center of the tympanum usually has a distinct white spot.
They are brown to pink in color and are characterized by a dark mask extending from the eye backwards across the tympanum.
The top third was finished with a jarring pointed blind arch set in the tympanum.
The tympanum of the north entry is granite, with a small, paneled door beneath it.
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