tympanum n. + Add to list US //ˈtɪmpənəm// UK //tˈɪmpænəm// tym·pa·num Archaic SynonymsEtymology Synonyms eardrumkettlekettledrummyringatimpanitympaniOriginLATtympanum→ENtympanum Borrowed from Latin tympanum (“a drum, timbrel, tambourine; the eardrum”). Doublet of timbre, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.