Timpani, kettledrums, unlike most other drums, have a definite pitch, tuned nowadays by pedals, but in earlier times by taps that served the same purpose, tightening or slackening the skin to produce higher or lower notes. In the later 18th century pairs of timpani were generally used in conjunction with pairs of trumpets, both instruments being of [..]

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

kettledrums. Large musical instrument of the percussion family.

Very large drum played generally with woolen mallets. This drum is tuned to a specific pitch or note using an attached foot pedal at the bass of the drum. Manufactured of copper or brass.

(n) a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it

see tympani

   See kettledrums

(plurale tantum,musical instruments) The set of precision kettledrums in an orchestra.