tympanum

[ tim-puh-nuhm ]

noun

, plural tym·pa·nums, tym·pa·na [tim, -p, uh, -n, uh].

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 calledtympan 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.

From Literature

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Washington Post

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

From Literature

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

From New York Times