tym·pa·num
also tim·pa·num (tĭm′pə-nəm)n. pl. tym·pa·na (-nə) or tym·pa·nums also tim·pa·na or tim·pa·nums
1.
a. Anatomy See middle ear.
b. See eardrum.
2. Zoology A membranous external auditory structure, as in certain insects.
3. Architecture
a. The ornamental recessed space or panel enclosed by the cornices of a triangular pediment.
b. 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.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
tympanum
(ˈtɪmpənəm)n, pl -nums or -na (-nə)
1. (Anatomy) anatomy
a. the cavity of the middle ear
b. another name for tympanic membrane
2. (Zoology) any diaphragm resembling that in the middle ear in function
3. (Architecture) architect
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. (Instruments) music a tympan or drum
5. (Mechanical Engineering) a scoop wheel for raising water
[C17: from Latin, from Greek tumpanon drum; related to Greek tuptein to beat]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
tym•pa•num
(ˈtɪm pə nəm)n., pl. -nums, -na (-nə).
1.
a. middle ear.
b. eardrum.
2.
a. the recessed, usu. 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. (in certain insects) a drumlike vibrating structure in the body wall, functioning as a hearing organ.
4. the diaphragm of a telephone.
5. a drum or similar instrument.
[1610–20; < Latin < Greek týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  tympanum - the main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner earauditory apparatus - all of the components of the organ of hearing including the outer and middle and inner ears auditory tube, Eustachian tube - either of the paired tubes connecting the middle ears to the nasopharynx; equalizes air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum |
| 2. |  tympanum - the membrane in the ear that vibrates to soundear - the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium perforated eardrum - an eardrum with a hole or tear in it; can interfere with normal hearing and cause other ear problems umbo - a slight rounded elevation where the malleus attaches to the eardrum tissue layer, membrane - a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants | |
| 3. |  tympanum - a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on itpercussion instrument, percussive instrument - a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
Translations
tympaanitympanon
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
tympanum
n (Anat: = membrane) → Trommelfell nt, → Tympanum nt (spec); (= middle ear) → Mittelohr nt; (Archit) → Tympanon nt
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
tym·pa·num
n. tímpano, oído medio.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012