Tympan
/ˈtɪm.pən/noun
A drumhead or a thin stretched membrane, especially in anatomy or architecture.
Did you know?The same ancient root behind *tympan* also gave English *tympanum* and *tympanic*, all tied to the drum-like shape of a membrane or hollow resonating space.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
grc
τύμπανον (týmpanon)
“A drum or tambourine; something struck to make a sound.”
Late Latin
Latin
tympanum
“A drum, tambourine, or drum-shaped object.”
Old French
OFr
tympan
“A drum; later, a membrane or panel in architecture.”
Middle English
ME
tympan
“A drumhead, membrane, or architectural panel.”
Modern English
English
tympan
“A drumhead or thin stretched membrane, especially in anatomy or architecture.”