tympan

[ tim-puhn ]

noun

1. Printing. a padlike device interposed between the platen or its equivalent and the sheet to be printed, in order to soften and equalize the pressure.
2. tympanum ( defs 2, 4 ).

tympan

/ ˈtɪmpən /

noun

1. a membrane stretched over a frame or resonating cylinder, bowl, etc
2. printing packing interposed on a hand-operated text between the platen and the paper to be printed in order to provide an even impression
3. architect another name for tympanum

Word History and Origins

Origin of tympan¹

before 900; Middle English: drum, Old English < Latin tympanum tympanum

Word History and Origins

Origin of tympan¹

Old English timpana, from Latin; see tympanum

Example Sentences

Make several impressions, including one on the top tympan-sheet.

From Project Gutenberg

The bed traveled on guide ways, and the tympan and frisket were hinged to fold back and lay in elevated position.

From Project Gutenberg

In the cut at the head of this article, the pressman is represented as in the act of turning down the frisket upon the tympan.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing remained now but to adjust the guides which would hold the cards on the tympan.

From Project Gutenberg

These sheets are held in place by means of the iron clamps which slip over the ends of the tympan (see Fig. 160).

From Project Gutenberg