tympanum
US /ˈtɪm.pə.nəm/
UK /ˈtɪm.pə.nəm/
1.
the eardrum
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The doctor examined the patient's tympanum for signs of infection.
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A ruptured tympanum can cause hearing loss.
2.
a semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, door, or window, typically found in medieval and classical architecture
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The cathedral's main entrance featured an intricately carved tympanum.
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The Romanesque church is known for its impressive sculpted tympanum depicting biblical scenes.