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tympanum

 - 7 dictionary results

tym⋅pa⋅num

  [tim-puh-nuhm]
Use tympanum in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nums, -na  [-nuh] .
1. Anatomy, Zoology.
a. middle ear.
b. tympanic membrane.
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; < L < Gk týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To tympanum
ear·drum   (îr'drŭm')   
n.  The thin, semitransparent, oval-shaped membrane that separates the middle ear from the external ear. Also called tympanic membrane, tympanum.
middle ear  
n.  The space between the eardrum and the inner ear that contains the three auditory ossicles, which convey vibrations through the oval window to the cochlea. Also called tympanum.
tym·pa·num also tim·pa·num   (tĭm'pə-nəm)   
n.   pl. tym·pa·na also tim·pa·na (-nə) or tym·pa·nums also tim·pa·nums

    1. Anatomy See middle ear.

    2. See eardrum.

    3. The ornamental recessed space or panel enclosed by the cornices of a triangular pediment.

    4. A similar space between an arch and the lintel of a portal or window.

  2. Zoology A membranous external auditory structure, as in certain insects.

  3. Architecture

    1. The ornamental recessed space or panel enclosed by the cornices of a triangular pediment.

    2. A similar space between an arch and the lintel of a portal or window.

  4. The diaphragm of a telephone.


[Medieval Latin, from Latin, drum, from Greek tumpanon.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: tym·pa·num
Pronunciation: 'tim-p&-n&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural tym·pa·na /-n&/ also tym·pa·nums
1 : TYMPANIC MEMBRANE
2 : MIDDLE EAR
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

tympanum tym·pa·num or tim·pa·num (tĭm'pə-nəm)
n. tym·pa·nums or tym·pa·na (-nə)

  1. See middle ear.

  2. 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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