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Definition of eardrum

eardrum

/ˈɪər.drʌm/
ear · drum
Plural:eardrums
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eardrum Lexical Profile

eardrum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thin, taut, semitransparent membrane in the ear that separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting mechanical vibrations to the auditory ossicles.

Example

"The sudden change in cabin pressure during the flight caused a sharp ache in his eardrum."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for eardrum

• Nearby Words

earbud
eardrop
eardrops
eardrum
eared
earflap
earful

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century as a compound of 'ear' and 'drum', modeled after the anatomical Latin term 'tympanum' (meaning 'drum') because the stretched membrane vibrates in response to sound waves much like a drumhead.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Eardrum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/eardrum
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