eardrum
UK[ˈɪədrʌm]US[ˈɪrdrʌm]
n
the thin piece of tightly stretched skin inside the ear that vibrates when sound waves reach it, allowing you to hear sounds.
Morpheme Breakdown
ear
drum
ear
organ of hearing
drum
membrane
Etymology
the word "eardrum" is a transparent english compound formed from two native germanic elements. the first part, "ear", has a direct lineage from proto-germanic auzōn-, ultimately from pie h₂ous- meaning "ear". the second part, "drum", entered english in the 16th century from middle low german "trumme", denoting a percussion instrument. the anatomical term, coined in the early 18th century, employs a vivid metaphor, comparing the tympanic membrane's thin, taut structure to the vibrating head of a drum. this logical combination directly describes the organ's function—a drum-like membrane in the ear that vibrates in response to sound.
Analysis
Structure: ear (organ of hearing) + drum (membrane)
"ear" is from old english "ēare", meaning the organ of hearing. "drum" is from middle english "dromme" or "drumme", referring to a musical instrument with a stretched membrane, used here metaphorically for its shape and function.
Examples
the infection caused pressure to build up behind his eardrum.
a very loud noise can potentially rupture your eardrum.
the doctor used an otoscope to examine the patient's eardrum.