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