Eardrum Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛrdrʌm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A thin, flexible membrane separating the middle ear from the inner ear, responsible for transmitting sound vibrations.

Examples

• The doctor examined the patient’s eardrum to diagnose the ear infection.
• The sound of the music vibrated through the eardrum into the inner ear.

Synonyms

• Drum
• Membrane

Antonyms

• Thisness
• Thatness

Etymology

The word “eardrum” originated in the 14th century from Old English “ēardrum”, derived from “ēar” (ear) and “drum” (drum).

Usage Notes

When referring to the eardrum, use it with the definite article “the” to indicate specificity.

Cultural References

Eardrum has been discussed in various medical contexts, including in literature and popular media such as medical dramas and documentaries.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

e.g. “ringing in the eardrum”

Related Words or Phrases

e.g. tympanic membrane, membrane, drum

Collocations

e.g. eardrum pain, eardrum damage, eardrum examination

Frequency of Use

Eardrum is a commonly used term in medical and scientific contexts, with moderate frequency in general language.

Common Misspellings

e.g. “eardrurn”, “ear drum”