tympan/o
eardrum, middle ear
From Greek tympanon, drum, via Latin tympanum
Meaning
What does tympan/o mean?
tympan/o is a root meaning eardrum, middle ear. It comes from Greek tympanon, drum, via Latin tympanum.
Inside words it is spelled tympan.
From the Greek word for drum: it names the eardrum and also the middle-ear cavity behind it.
In real words
Medical words with tympan/o
a test of middle ear function that measures how the eardrum moves with sound and changes in air pressure
surgery that places small hollow ear tubes in the eardrum so the middle ear can drain and air pressure can equalize
relating to the tympanum, the eardrum or middle ear
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with tympan/o
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- Word Parts and Structural Terms – Medical Terminology: An Interactive Approach
- 15.2 Word Components Related to the Sensory Systems – Medical Terminology 2e
- tympano- - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
- TYMPANUM Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll correct it.
Eyes and ears
tympan/o is one of 11 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
Start the Lesson