1. The main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear
   - middle ear, tympanic cavity 
2. The membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
   - eardrum, tympanic membrane, myringa 
3. A large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
   - kettle, kettledrum, tympani, timpani

Derived forms: tympanums, tympana

See also: tympanic, tympanist

Type of: bodily cavity, cavity, cavum, membrane, percussion instrument, percussive instrument, tissue layer

Part of: auditory apparatus, ear

Encyclopedia: Tympanum

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