harmonic motion

noun Physics.

periodic motion consisting of one or more vibratory motions that are symmetric about a region of equilibrium, as the motion of a vibrating string of a musical instrument.

Nearby words

harmonic distortion, harmonic interval, harmonic law, harmonic mean, harmonic minor scale, harmonic motion, harmonic oscillator, harmonic progression, harmonic series, harmonic suture, harmonic tone

Origin of harmonic motion

First recorded in 1865–70

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British Dictionary definitions for harmonic motion

harmonic motion

noun

a periodic motion in which the displacement is symmetrical about a point or a periodic motion that is composed of such motionsSee also simple harmonic motion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for harmonic motion

harmonic motion

A periodic vibration, as of a violin string, in which the motions are symmetrical about a region of equilibrium. Such a vibration may have only one frequency and amplitude or may be a combination of two or more components called harmonics. Also called periodic motion