tympanum

[tim-puh-nuhm]

noun

plural

tympanums, tympana 

1. Anatomy, Zoology.

   1. middle ear.

   2. tympanic membrane.

2. Architecture.

   1. the recessed, usually triangular space enclosed between the horizontal and sloping cornices of a pediment, often decorated with sculpture.

   2. a similar space between an arch and the horizontal head of a door or window below.

3. Electricity.,  the diaphragm of a telephone.

4. a drum or similar instrument.

5. the stretched membrane forming a drumhead.

tympanum

/ ˈtɪmpənəm /

noun

1. 1. the cavity of the middle ear

   2. another name for tympanic membrane

2. any diaphragm resembling that in the middle ear in function

3. Also called: tympan. architect

   1. the recessed space bounded by the cornices of a pediment, esp one that is triangular in shape and ornamented

   2. the recessed space bounded by an arch and the lintel of a doorway or window below it

4. music a tympan or drum

5. a scoop wheel for raising water

Word History and Origins

Origin of tympanum¹

1610–20; < Latin < Greek týmpanon drum, akin to týptein to beat, strike

Word History and Origins

Origin of tympanum¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek tumpanon drum; related to Greek tuptein to beat

Example Sentences

A few beggars lay under the great tympanum of Notre Dame’s doorway.

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Built in the Biedermeier period of the 19th century, his summer residence was a wedding gift from his mother, which he then expanded and remodeled with neoclassical columns and tympana.

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A fast-rising artist who had been commissioned at a young age to design the tympanum over the central doors of the National Cathedral, Hart was working in a long, historical tradition of realistic representation.

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The masons put together the pieces of the rose window and installed the tympanums and voussoirs over the doors.

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Macedonia’s main government complex, recently recast as a copy-and-paste White House, complete with square portico and tympanum, begged for recognition.

Read more on New York Times