timpani

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian timpani, plural of timpano (“drum”), from Latin tympanum (“drum”), from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon), from τύπτω (túptō, “to strike, to hit”). Doublet of tympanum, timbre, timbal, and tymbal.

In classic literature

Synonyms

kettle, kettledrum, tympanum, tympani

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