noun

tympanum

/tɪmˈpeɪnəm/ · say it: tim·PAY·nuhm

the semicircular space above a doorway, often carved

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) the eardrum; the thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates when sound waves hit it

2. (noun) in architecture, a triangular or semicircular wall space at the top of a doorway or window

Examples

1. A sudden loud noise can damage the tympanum if it's strong enough.
2. The church entrance featured a carved tympanum depicting religious scenes.

How to use tympanum

Tympanum is the formal anatomical term for the eardrum, widely used in medical and otological contexts; in everyday speech, 'eardrum' is preferred. In architecture, it refers to the decorative or structural panel filling the triangular or semicircular space above a lintel, commonly found in classical and medieval buildings.

Common phrases

perforated tympanum
tympanum rupture
tympanum vibrates
tympanum membrane
architectural tympanum

Synonyms

eardrum · tympanic membrane · drum · membrana tympani

Word family

tympanic · tympanist · tympanitis · tympanoplasty

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse tympanum with the entire middle ear rather than specifically the membrane itself; they may also mispronounce it as 'timpanum' when thinking of percussion instruments.

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