eardrum

[eer-druhm]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

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

eardrum

/ ˈɪəˌdrʌm /

noun

1. the nontechnical name for tympanic membrane

eardrum

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

eardrum

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of eardrum¹

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

Example Sentences

The sparse landscaping on the thoroughfares left sidewalks exposed to the bright sun, and the constant rumble of trucks and buses assaulted the eardrums.

From Los Angeles Times

She had been trying to escape her relationship with Charron, who had perforated her eardrum in an earlier attack, and she had taken out a restraining order against him.

From Los Angeles Times

When those vibrations reach our ears, they send a vibration through our eardrums, which is recognized in the brain as sound.

From Salon

Reema, then 22, survived with serious burns, a punctured eardrum, and trauma.

From BBC

Ministry also made an indelible impression, blasting everyone’s eardrums to pieces.

From Los Angeles Times