tympanum

/ˈtɪmpənəm/
noun
  1. The eardrum, a thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates when sound waves hit it.
    • The doctor examined her tympanum and found it was healthy.
    • The tympanum vibrates and sends signals to the inner ear.
    • Loud noises can damage the tympanum and cause hearing loss.
  2. The middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum.
    • Infection in the tympanum can cause pain and temporary hearing problems.
    • The surgeon operated on the tympanum to remove fluid buildup.
    • Sound travels through the tympanum to the inner ear.
  3. In some insects and frogs, a membrane used for hearing, similar to an eardrum.
    • The frog's tympanum is visible as a round patch behind its eye.
    • Grasshoppers have a tympanum on their legs to detect sounds.
    • Scientists study the insect tympanum to understand how they hear.
  4. In architecture, the triangular or curved space inside a pediment or above a door, often decorated.
    • The cathedral's tympanum was carved with scenes from the Bible.
    • Ancient Greek temples often had a sculpted tympanum above the entrance.
    • The artist spent months restoring the tympanum of the old church.
What does "tympanum" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean