tympanum

• Nom désignant la cavité principale de l'oreille située entre le tympan et l'oreille interne, ou la membrane tympanique elle-même, ou encore un grand instrument de percussion en forme de demi-sphère en cuivre ou en laiton, à membrane tendue et accordable.

A noun referring to the main cavity of the ear, located between the eardrum and the inner ear, or the eardrum membrane itself, or a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a tunable drumhead.

1. Middle ear cavityC1formalmedical

   The main cavity of the ear, located between the eardrum and the inner ear, containing the ossicles.

   Cavité de l'oreille moyenne

   • The tympanum is essential for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.
   • An infection in the tympanum can cause hearing loss.
   • The surgeon examined the patient's tympanum for any abnormalities.

   Synonymestympanic cavity

2. EardrumB2formalmedical

   The thin membrane in the ear that vibrates in response to sound waves.

   Tympan (membrane du tympan)

   • Loud noises can damage the tympanum.
   • The doctor checked the tympanum for signs of rupture.
   • Sound waves cause the tympanum to vibrate.

   Synonymesdrumeardrummyringatympanic membrane

3. KettledrumC1formalart

   A large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting its tension.

   Timbale

   • The orchestra's tympanum player tuned the instrument before the concert.
   • A deep rumble came from the tympanum during the dramatic scene.
   • He learned to play the tympanum in the school band.

   Synonymeskettledrum