tympanum

/'timpənəm/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
tympanum

The percussionist strikes the tympanum with a soft mallet.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it: This refers to a specific type of musical instrument, also commonly known as a timpani or kettledrum.
    • The membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound: This is the biological membrane, also called the eardrum, which transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.
    • The main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear: This anatomical term refers to the middle ear cavity.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Musical Instrument):

    • The orchestra's tympanum provided a deep, resonant roll.
    • He tuned the tympanum carefully before the concert.

  • Noun (Eardrum):

    • A loud explosion can rupture the tympanum.
    • The doctor examined her tympanum for signs of infection.

  • Noun (Middle Ear Cavity):

    • An infection developed in the tympanum, causing pain and hearing loss.
    • The tympanum contains three small bones known as ossicles.
Advanced Usage
  • Architectural Context: In classical architecture, "tympanum" can refer to the triangular or segmental space enclosed between the lintel and the arch above a doorway. (Note: This is a distinct, specialized meaning not covered in the core definitions but is a common advanced usage).
    • The cathedral's ornate tympanum was carved with biblical scenes.
Variants and Related Words
  • Tympanic (adj): Relating to or resembling a drum or the eardrum.
    • The tympanic membrane is another name for the eardrum.
  • Tympanist (n): A person who plays the timpani.
    • The principal tympanist has a solo in the second movement.
Synonyms
  • For the eardrum: Eardrum, tympanic membrane.
  • For the percussion instrument: Timpani (plural), kettledrum.
  • For the middle ear cavity: Middle ear, tympanic cavity.
Related Phrases
  • Tympanic reflex: The involuntary contraction of muscles in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.
  • Tympanic thermometer: A thermometer that measures body temperature from the ear canal by reading infrared heat from the tympanic membrane.
tympanum

The percussionist strikes the tympanum with a soft mallet.

Noun
  1. a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
  2. the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
  3. the main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear

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