harmonic motion

noun

Physics.

1. 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.

harmonic motion

noun

1. a periodic motion in which the displacement is symmetrical about a point or a periodic motion that is composed of such motions See also simple harmonic motion

harmonic motion

1. 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.

2. Also called periodic motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmonic motion¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

These changing colors are stronger than the slight harmonic motion of Riley’s score but they don’t push the production out of the key of C.

Read more on New York Times

Traditional harmonic motion relies on human memory, the knowledge of where the music started and wants to return.

Read more on New York Times

The pace is glacial, but the winds and brass have agreeable harmonic motion of the other Adams.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s not as drastic a shift as the one from “Giant Steps” to “My Favorite Things,” but there is a similar relaxation of harmonic motion from “Night Dreamer” to “Juju.”

Read more on The New Yorker

Just as Mr. Zorn considers “Dark River” a précis of “Redbird,” so is “Praise” a précis of “Blue Stratagem,” the piece he eventually made for the brass quintet, featuring the same harmonic motion.

Read more on New York Times