eardrum

ear-drum · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thin membrane in the ear that vibrates in response to sound waves; the tympanic membrane.

Forms

plural: eardrums

Related words

See also: ear, hearing
Synonyms: tympanic membrane, tympanum

Etymology

A compound from ear + drum, dating from the 17th century. The term describes the membrane's drum-like shape and function in transmitting sound vibrations.