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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. (architecture) the wall surface over an entrance or window (e.g. between the lintel and an arch), typically decorated or holding an inscription or clock
    
4. 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

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

Part of: auditory apparatus, ear, earhole [informal], lug [Brit, informal], lughole [Brit, informal]

Encyclopedia: Tympanum