tympanum: Meaning and Definition of

tym•pa•num

Pronunciation: (tim'pu-num), [key]
— pl. -nums, -na
    1. Seemiddle ear.
    2. Seetympanic membrane.
    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.
  1. the diaphragm of a telephone.
  2. a drum or similar instrument.
  3. the stretched membrane forming a drumhead.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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