tympanic membrane n 1: the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound [syn: {eardrum}, {tympanum}, {tympanic membrane}, {myringa}]
Tympanic \Tym*pan"ic\ (?; 277), a. [See {Tympanum}.] 1. Like a tympanum or drum; acting like a drumhead; as, a tympanic membrane. [1913 Webster] 2. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the tympanum. [1913 Webster] {Tympanic bone} (Anat.), a bone of the skull which incloses a part of the tympanum and supports the tympanic membrane. {Tympanic membrane}. (Anat.) See the Note under {Ear}. [1913 Webster]