1. plural of eardrum; thin membranes in the ear that vibrate in response to sound waves and transmit vibrations to the inner ear
Usage: typically used in plural form; also called tympanum or tympanic membrane in medical contexts

Examples

• Loud noises can damage your eardrums if you're not careful.
• The doctor examined her eardrums with an otoscope.
• Infections can cause the eardrums to become inflamed and painful.
• He ruptured his eardrums in a diving accident.
• Sound waves cause the eardrums to vibrate thousands of times per second.
• Protecting your eardrums from loud music is important for long-term hearing health.