tymbals
/ˈtɪmbəlz/
noun
- The sound-producing membranes or organs on the sides of the abdomen of cicadas and some other insects.
- The cicada's tymbals vibrate rapidly to produce its loud summer song.
- Scientists study the structure of tymbals to understand how insects create sound.
- The male cicada uses its tymbals to attract a mate on hot afternoons.