The Tympanum reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Tympanum

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Tympanum may mean:

  1. The eardrum; or
  2. A sculpted panel that stands within the recessed area formed by a larger arch above the doors to a church or similar building, especially in Romanesque and Gothic architecture; or
  3. A single drum in the orchestral percussion section usually called timpani.

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