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tympanic membrane

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.
  1. eardrum.


tympanic membrane British  

noun

  1. Also called: tympanum.  Nontechnical name: eardrum.  the thin translucent oval membrane separating the external ear from the middle ear. It transmits vibrations produced by sound waves, via the ossicles, to the cochlea

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tympanic membrane Scientific  
/ tĭm-pănĭk /
  1. See eardrum


Etymology

Origin of tympanic membrane

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The ear drum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin, flat piece of tissue that stretches across the ear canal," said Hoberman.

From Science Daily

She recounts 19th-century surgical procedures to perforate the tympanic membrane and methods for unblocking Eustachian tubes with smoke.

From Washington Post

One person’s hiccups were even caused by a hair brushing against their tympanic membrane, the membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves and enables us to hear.

From Scientific American

Sure, having his tympanic membrane rattled when the 1980 Corvette’s 750-horsepower engine roared to life was cool and all, but Alcott was more interested in the sports car’s sleek lines.

From Washington Times

Presley, R. Lizards, mammals and the primitive tetrapod tympanic membrane.

From Nature