fundamental frequency
Americannoun
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the lowest frequency at which a medium will freely oscillate.
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the frequency of the fundamental.
Etymology
Origin of fundamental frequency
Probably earlier than 1960–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the string of an instrument is struck, the fundamental frequency is overlaid by several harmonic overtones.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 14, 2024
The song or fundamental frequency of the blue whale is so deep and such a low frequency that it is beyond the range of human hearing.
From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2023
Note that a tube open at both ends has a fundamental frequency twice what it would have if closed at one end.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
Calculate the fundamental frequency of the string and wave speed present if the string length is reduced to 2/3 L.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
When it vibrates as a whole, its frequency is the lowest possible, the fundamental frequency as we say.
From Letters of a Radio-Engineer to His Son by Mills, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
