a. Anat. [f. EPI- + Gr. τύμπαν-ον drum + -IC. Cf. TYMPANIC.] Pertaining to or forming the uppermost sub-division of the tympanic pedicle which supports the mandible in fishes. Chiefly quasi-sb.
[1856–8. W. Clark, Van der Hoeven’s Zool., II. 61. The tympanicum, epitympanicum and præoperculum.]
1849–52. Todd, Cycl. Anat., IV. 941/2. The uppermost piece, the epitympanic, articulates by a diarthrodial joint with the mastoid.
1880. Günther, Fishes, 55.
