Tympanum

Tympanum, tim′pan-um, n. (anat.) the membrane which separates the external from the internal ear, often called the drum of the ear: in certain birds, the labyrinth at the bottom of the windpipe: (archit.) the triangular space between sloping and horizontal cornices, or in the corners or sides of an arch: the panel of a door: a water-raising current wheel, originally drum-shaped.—adjs. Tym′panal, Tympan′ic, like a drum: pertaining to the tympanum.—n. a bone of the ear, supporting the drum-membrane.—adj. Tym′paniform, like a tympanum.—ns. Tym′panist, one who plays a drum; Tympanī′tēs, flatulent distension of the belly.—adj. Tympanit′ic.—ns. Tympanī′tis, inflammation of the membrane of the ear; Tym′pany, any swelling, turgidity: tympanites.—Tympanic membrane, the drum-membrane of the ear; Tympanic resonance, the peculiar high-pitched quality of sound produced by percussion over the intestines, &c., when they contain air; Tympanic ring, an annular tympanic bone, to which the tympanic membrane is attached. [L.,—Gr. tympanon, typanon, a kettledrum—typtein, to strike.]