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
The lowest frequency, called the fundamental frequency, is thus for the longest wavelength, which is seen to be λ1 = 2L .
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
In this case, the overtones or harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
The mating call of boulengeri differs by having shorter notes, twice as many pulses per second, a higher fundamental frequency, and more closely approximated major frequencies than does that of foliamorta.
From The Systematics of the Frogs of the Hyla Rubra Group in Middle America by león, Juan R.
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.
