1. tympanum(n = noun.body) middle ear, tympanic cavity - the main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear;
is a kind of bodily cavity, cavity, cavum
is a part of auditory apparatus
has parts: bonelet, ossicle, ossiculum, auditory tube, eustachian tube, hammer, malleus, anvil, incus, stapes, stirrup
2. tympanum(n = noun.body) eardrum, myringa, tympanic membrane - the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound;
is a kind of membrane, tissue layer
is a part of ear
has parts: umbo
has particulars: perforated eardrum
3. tympanum(n = noun.artifact) kettle, kettledrum, timpani, tympani - a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it;
is a kind of percussion instrument, percussive instrument
Derived forms noun timpanist1, noun tympanist1
1. The ear drum, or middle ear. Sometimes applied incorrectly to the tympanic membrane. See Ear. [1913 Webster]
2. One of the naked, inflatable air sacs on the neck of the prairie chicken and other species of grouse. [1913 Webster]
3. The recessed face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices, being usually a triangular space or table. [1913 Webster]
4. 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. [1913 Webster]
tympanum, n. (pl. tympanums or tympana)
1 Anat. a the middle ear. b the tympanic membrane.
2 Zool. the membrane covering the hearing organ on the leg of an insect.
3 Archit. a a vertical triangular space forming the centre of a pediment. b a similar space over a door between the lintel and the arch; a carving on this space.
4 a drum-wheel etc. for raising water from a stream.
Etymology:
L f. Gk tumpanon drum f. tupto strike
N summit, summity, top, peak, vertex, apex, zenith, pinnacle, acme, culmination, meridian, utmost height, ne plus utra, height, pitch, maximum, climax, culminating point, crowning point, turning point, turn of the tide, fountain head, water shed, water parting, sky, pole, tip, tip top, crest, crow's nest, cap, truck, nib, end, crown, brow, head, nob, noddle, pate, capsheaf, high places, heights, topgallant mast, sky scraper, quarter deck, hurricane deck, architrave, frieze, cornice, coping stone, zoophorus, capital, epistyle, sconce, pediment, entablature, tympanum, ceiling, attic, loft, garret, house top, upper story, summit conference, summit, peak of achievement, peak of performance, peaks and troughs, peaks and valleys (in graphs), highest &c (high), top, top most, upper most, tiptop, culminating, meridian, meridional, capital, head, polar, supreme, supernal, topgallant, atop, at the top of the tree, en flute, fleur deau.
N hearing, audition, auscultation, eavesdropping, audibility, acute ear, nice ear, delicate ear, quick ear, sharp ear, correct ear, musical ear, ear for music, ear, auricle, lug, acoustic organs, auditory apparatus, eardrum, tympanum, tympanic membrane, ear trumpet, speaking trumpet, hearing aid, stethoscope, earshot, hearing distance, hearing, hearing range, sound, carrying distance, telephone, phone, telephone booth, intercom, house phone, radiotelephone, radiophone, wireless, wireless telephone, mobile telephone, car radio, police radio, two-way radio, walkie-talkie, handie-talkie, citizen's band, CB, amateur radio, ham radio, short-wave radio, police band, ship-to-shore radio, airplane radio, control tower communication, (communication), electronic devices, phonograph, gramophone, megaphone, phonorganon, microphone, directional microphone, mike, hand mike, lapel microphone, phonograph needle, stylus, diamond stylus, pickup, reading head (electronic devices), hearer, auditor, listener, eavesdropper, listener-in, auditory, audience, otology, otorhinolaryngology, otologist, otorhinolaryngologist, hearing, auditory, auricular, acoustic, phonic, arrectis auribus, Int, hark, hark ye!, hear!, list, listen!, O yes!, Oyez!, listen up, listen here!, hear ye!, attention!, achtung.