Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tympanum

noun

/ˈtɪm.pə.nəm/

Definition

A tympanum is a circular or semicircular area over a door or entrance, typically decorated with relief sculptures and often found in classical architecture.

Examples

The tympanum of the church was intricately carved with scenes from the Bible.
The anatomist explained how sound vibrations travel through the tympanum to the inner ear.
Artists have long been inspired by the beauty of the tympanum in ancient structures.

Meaning

In architecture, it refers to the space enclosed by the arch of a doorway and the horizontal lintel above it; in anatomy, it refers to the eardrum or the tympanic membrane.