eardrum

American  

[eer-druhm] / ˈɪərˌdrʌm /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a membrane in the ear canal between the external ear and the middle ear; tympanic membrane.

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eardrum British  

/ ˈɪəˌdrʌm /

noun

1. the nontechnical name for tympanic membrane

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eardrum Scientific  

/ îr′drŭm′ /

1. The thin, oval-shaped membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear. It vibrates in response to sound waves, which are then transmitted to the ossicles of the middle ear.

2. Also called tympanic membrane

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eardrum Cultural  

1. The membrane that divides the outer ear from the middle ear. The vibrations of this membrane in response to sound waves lead to the sensation of hearing. Also called the tympanic membrane.

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Etymology

Origin of eardrum

First recorded in 1635–45; ear ¹ + drum ¹

Example Sentences

Sound travels normally through the ear canal, eardrum, and into the fluid-filled inner ear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The model showed that hedgehogs possess very small, dense middle ear bones along with a partially fused joint between the eardrum and the first of these bones.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

Moon incurred tinnitus following an injury to his eardrum in recent years, which impacted his ability to work.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Later, it took surgery to remove the cluster of debris that had accumulated behind my eardrum—something that can happen after eardrum damage occurs.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

Except in point of fact Colin did not whisper, because he had never quite mastered the art of whispering—he just sort of talked in a slightly softer voice directly into Hassan's eardrum.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green