Definitions

1. noun

a membrane-covered opening in the skull, especially in insects, that vibrates to transmit sound

“The insect’s tympana detected the approaching footsteps.”

2. noun

one of the two membrane-covered openings in the human skull that transmit sound to the eardrum

“The doctor examined the patient’s tympana to diagnose the ear infection.”

3. noun

the membrane-covered opening in the skull of certain animals, such as frogs and toads, that vibrates to transmit sound

“The scientist studied the tympana of the frog to understand its unique hearing abilities.”