DRUM, n. [G., L.] 1. A martial instrument of music, in form of a hollow cylinder, and covered at the ends with vellum, which is stretched or slackened at pleasure.2. In machinery, a short cylinder revolving on an axis, generally for the purpose of turning several small wheels, by means of straps passing round its periphery.3. The drum of the ear, the tympanum, or barrel of the ear; the hollow part of the ear, behind the membrane of the tympanum. The latter is a tense membrane, which closes the external passage of the ear, and receives the vibrations of the air.DRUM, v.i. 1. To beat a drum with sticks; to beat or play a tune on a drum.2. To beat with the fingers, as with drumsticks; to beat with a rapid succession of strokes; as, to drum on the table.3. To beat as the heart.DRUM, v.t. To expel with beat of drum.
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