tympanic bone

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

1. (in mammals) a bone of the skull, supporting the tympanic membrane and enclosing part of the tympanum or middle ear.

tympanic bone

noun

1. the part of the temporal bone in the mammalian skull that surrounds the auditory canal

Word History and Origins

Origin of tympanic bone¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The tympanic bone remains permanently distinct, and the anterior boundary of the tympanic cavity is formed by the alisphenoid.

From Project Gutenberg

Tympanic bone not welded with the periotic, which is usually only attached to the rest of the skull by ligament.

From Project Gutenberg

The tympanic bone is preserved on the right side, though wanting on the left.

From Project Gutenberg

In all the other genera of Dasypodinae the tympanic bone is a mere half-ring, loosely attached to the cranium.

From Project Gutenberg