|
|
Definitions for: Tympanum [n] a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
[n] the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
[n] the main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear
Webster (1913) Definition: Tym"pa*num, n.; pl. E. Tympanums, L. Tympana.
[L., a kettledrum, a drum or wheel in machines, the
triangular area in a pediment, the panel of a door, Gr. ?, ?,
fr. ? to strike, beat. See 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. (Zo["o]l.) 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.) 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.
Synonyms: eardrum, kettle, kettledrum, middle ear, myringa, timpani, tympani, tympanic cavity, tympanic membrane
See Also: anvil, auditory apparatus, auditory tube, bodily cavity, bonelet, cavity, cavum, ear, Eustachian tube, hammer, incus, malleus, membrane, ossicle, ossiculum, percussion instrument, percussive instrument, perforated eardrum, stapes, stirrup, tissue layer, umbo
|
|
Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder
Scrabble Cheat
Words With Friends Cheat
Hanging With Friends Cheat
Scramble With Friends Cheat
Ruzzle Cheat
Related Resources: animals beginning with j animal facts |