A small bell or a set of bells, often used in ancient Roman times for decoration or as a wind chime.

Origin: The word 'tintinnabulum' originates from Latin, where it was used to describe small bells. The root 'tintinnare' means 'to ring' or 'to jingle', mimicking the sound of the bell, and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *tinn- which imitates the ringing sound.
Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Rome, tintinnabula were commonly used as decorative items or as wind chimes in gardens and homes. They were also used in religious and ceremonial contexts. The earliest known use of the term dates back to the 1st century BCE.
Evolution: The term has remained relatively unchanged in terms of its phonetic structure, but its usage has evolved. It moved from a common household item in ancient Rome to a more symbolic or decorative object in later cultures. Cognates can be found in Romance languages like Italian ('tintinnare').
Modern Relevance: Today, 'tintinnabulum' is rarely used in everyday language, but it is appreciated in academic circles for its historical and linguistic significance. It can be found in literature and discussions about classical antiquities.

The word 'tintinnabulum' is an example of onomatopoeia, where the word itself sounds like what it describes—the ringing of a bell.