- tympanum
- "drum of the ear," 1619, from M.L. tympanum, introduced in this sense by It. anatomist Gabriele Fallopio (1523-62), from L. tympanum "drum," from Gk. tympanon "a drum, panel of a door," from root of typtein "to beat, strike" (see type). Cf. O.E. timpan "drum, timbrel, tambourine," From L. tympanum. The modern meaning "a drum" is attested in Eng. from 1675. Tympanist "one who plays on a drum" is recorded from 1611; since mid-19c. specifically of players on kettledrums.