Tympanum definition

tĭmpə-nəm
tympanum tympana tympanums
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Frequency:
(zoology) A membranous external auditory structure, as in certain insects.
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The diaphragm of a telephone.
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The ornamental recessed space or panel enclosed by the cornices of a triangular pediment.
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A similar space between an arch and the lintel of a portal or window.
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A drum or drumhead.
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(elec.) The diaphragm of a telephone.
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A drumlike structure serving as a vibratory membrane for the hearing organs of certain insects.
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The resonating chamber of the syrinx in birds.
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The recessed space, usually triangular, enclosed by the slanting cornices of a pediment, often ornamented with sculpture.
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A corresponding semicircular space enclosed by an arch and the top of the door or window below it.
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(zoology) A membranous external auditory structure, as in certain insects.
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The diaphragm of a telephone.
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(architecture) A triangular space between the sides of a pediment.
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(architecture) The space within an arch, and above a lintel or a subordinate arch, spanning the opening below the arch.
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The middle ear.
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The eardrum.
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A hearing organ in frogs, toads and some insects.
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(engineering) A drum-shaped wheel with spirally curved partitions by which water is raised to the axis when the wheel revolves with the lower part of the circumference submerged; used for raising water, as for irrigation.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
tympanum
Plural:
tympana, tympanums

Origin of tympanum

  • Medieval Latin from Latin drum from Greek tumpanon

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin tympanum, from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (tumpanon), from τύπτω (tuptō, “I strike, I hit").

    From Wiktionary

Tympanum Sentence Examples

  • It is a noble portal, erected in 1460, apparently from designs by Fra Giocondo, with the lion of St Mark in the attic. The statuary, with Sta Giustina on the summit of the tympanum, was added in 1571 and 1578.

  • The C19 century figure of Christ in the tympanum is placed in a large pointed quatrefoil.

  • Set in the wall of the adjacent almshouses is the carved tympanum of the church which was uncovered during the excavation.

  • The Prior's door has a tympanum showing Christ in Majesty with two angels, reminding the viewer of the Last Judgment.

  • Few early churches are dedicated to St George and the 12 th century tympanum over the entrance is one of many interesting features.

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Words near tympanum in the Dictionary