timpani

[tim-puh-nee] /ˈtɪm pə ni/
noun, (used with a singular or plural verb)
1.
a set of kettledrums, especially as used in an orchestra or band.
Also, tympani.
Origin
< Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum < Latin tympanum < Greek týmpanon
Related forms
timpanist, noun
Examples from the web for timpani
  • Again, the rumbling timpani signal an approaching tiger.
  • Pounding timpani and crashing cymbals rattled my cartilage.
  • But after an hour on the water, timpani rolls of thunder started rumbling around us.
  • Use multiple mallets technique on two timpani, and techniques on auxiliary instruments when performing on percussion instruments.
British Dictionary definitions for timpani

timpani

/ˈtɪmpənɪ/
plural noun
1.
(sometimes functioning as sing) a set of kettledrums, two or more in number Often (informal) shortened to timps
Derived Forms
timpanist, tympanist, noun
Word Origin
from Italian, pl of timpano kettledrum, from Latin: tympanum
Word Origin and History for timpani
n.

1876, plural of timpano (1740), from Italian timpani "drums," from Latin tympanum "drum" (see tympanum).

timpani in Culture
timpani [(tim-puh-nee)]

Italian for kettledrums; the term timpani is often preferred by composers and performers.