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
Waves on a string are resonant standing waves with a fundamental frequency and can occur at higher multiples of the fundamental, called overtones or harmonics.
From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015
The fundamental frequency seemingly is relatively unimportant in determining the general pitch of the call, a characteristic most dependent on the dominant frequency and emphasized harmonics in the higher-frequency spectrum.
From Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca by Duellman, William E.
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.
