Tympanum (noun)

1. A flat, shallow, semi-circular or triangular surface, often decorated, above a doorway or window in a building.
2. A thin membrane in the middle ear that vibrates in response to sound waves and transmits the vibrations to the inner ear.

Origin:

From the greek word tympanon, which means 'drum, membrane'.

Examples:

1. The tympanum above the entrance to the cathedral depicted scenes from the life of Christ.
2. The tympanum of the ear is one of the critical elements in the process of hearing.
3. In Gothic architecture, the tympanum is often used as a space for sculptural decoration and as a means of transmitting religious messages.
4. The tympanum can be found in a variety of architectural styles, from ancient Greek temples to medieval churches.
5. The tympanum is a delicate and complex structure, and damage or disease to the tympanum can result in hearing loss.