TYMPANUM

kettle, kettledrum, tympanum, tympani, timpani

(noun) a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it

eardrum, tympanum, tympanic membrane, myringa

(noun) the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

tympanum (plural tympanums or tympana)

(architecture) A triangular space between the sides of a pediment.

(architecture) The space within an arch, and above a lintel or a subordinate arch, spanning the opening below the arch.

The middle ear.

The eardrum.

(anatomy) A hearing organ in frogs, toads and some insects.

(anatomy) In certain birds, the labyrinth at the bottom of the windpipe.

(engineering) A drum-shaped wheel with spirally curved partitions by which water is raised to the axis when the wheel revolves with the lower part of the circumference submerged; used for raising water, as for irrigation.

Source: Wiktionary

Tym"pa*num, n.; pl. E. Tympanums, L. Tympana. Etym: [L., a kettledrum, a drum or wheel in machines, the triangular area in a pediment, the panel of a door, Gr. Type, and cf. Timbrel.]

1. (Anat.) (a) The ear drum, or middle ear. Sometimes applied incorrectly to the tympanic membrane. See Ear. (b) A chamber in the anterior part of the syrinx of birds.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of the naked, inflatable air sacs on the neck of the prairie chicken and other species of grouse.

3. (Arch.) (a) The recessed face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices, being usually a triangular space or table. (b) The space within an arch, and above a lintel or a subordinate arch, spanning the opening below the arch.

4. (Mech.)

Definition: A drum-shaped wheel with spirally curved partitions by which water is raised to the axis when the wheel revolves with the lower part of the circumference submerged, -- used for raising water, as for irrigation.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition