timpani/ˈtɪmpəni/timpani means the set of precision kettledrums in an orchestra. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 81 out of 100.timpani is pronounced /ˈtɪmpəni/.EtymologyBorrowed from Italian timpani, plural of timpano (“drum”), from Latin tympanum (“drum”), from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon), from τύπτω (túptō, “to strike, to hit”). Doublet of tympanum, timbre, timbal, and tymbal.nounThe set of precision kettledrums in an orchestra.“Since the timpani is a legato instrument, a note must be allowed to sound and ring to achieve the full effect of the drum.”