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tympan

tympan definition

tym·pan (tim′pən)

noun

Obsolete a drum
the paper, cardboard, etc. stretched over the platen or impression cylinder of a printing press to cushion the paper being printed and equalize type pressure
any membranelike part
Archit. tympanum

Etymology: ME < OE timpana & OFr tympan < L tympanum < Gr tympanon, a drum, area of a pediment, panel of a door < typtein, to strike, beat < IE *(s)teup-, to strike > steep

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