Tympana
/ˈtɪm.pə.nə/noun
Plural of tympanum; in architecture, a recessed triangular or semicircular space over a doorway or between moldings, and in anatomy, a drum-like membrane or cavity.
Did you know?Tympanum comes from Greek *tympanon*, a drum, which is also the source of the anatomical term for the eardrum—an eerie reminder that architecture and the body were both described as resonant chambers.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τύμπανον (tympanon)
“A drum or tambourine, especially a frame drum used in ritual and music.”
Late Latin
Latin
tympanum
“A drum; later, a drum-shaped or wheel-like part or cavity.”
Old French
French
tympan
“A drum; also a panel or space in architecture.”
Middle English
English
tympan
“A panel or space, especially in architecture; also a drum-like membrane.”
Modern English
English
tympana
“Plural form of tympanum, used for architectural recesses or anatomical drum-like structures.”