(こまく)

こまく
noun
eardrum; tympanic membrane
1. eardrum; tympanic membrane
The thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates in response to sound waves, enabling hearing.
鼓膜(こまく)(やぶ)れた。
My eardrum ruptured.
(おお)きな(おと)鼓膜(こまく)(きず)つけることがある。
Loud sounds can damage the eardrum.
(みみ)(おく)(いた)かったので病院(びょういん)()ったら、鼓膜(こまく)炎症(えんしょう)()きていると()われた。
I went to the hospital because deep inside my ear hurt, and I was told there was inflammation of the eardrum.

A compound of () (drum) and (まく) (membrane). The name reflects the drum-like shape and vibrating function of this thin tissue. The eardrum is a common topic in everyday health conversations, especially regarding ear infections (中耳炎(ちゅうじえん)), pressure changes during flights, and noise exposure.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 鼓膜(こまく)(やぶ)れる: the eardrum ruptures
  • 鼓膜(こまく)振動(しんどう)する: the eardrum vibrates
  • 鼓膜(こまく)(あな)()く: a hole opens in the eardrum
  • 鼓膜(こまく)再生(さいせい): eardrum regeneration

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (みみ): ear — the organ as a whole
  • 中耳(ちゅうじ): middle ear — the cavity behind the eardrum
  • 内耳(ないじ): inner ear — the deeper part containing the cochlea and balance organs