harmonic series

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a series in which the reciprocals of the terms form an arithmetic progression.

2. the divergent infinite series, 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 + 1/5 + . . . .

---

harmonic series British  

noun

1. maths a series whose terms are in harmonic progression, as in 1 + 1/ 2 + 1/ 3 + …

2. acoustics the series of tones with frequencies strictly related to one another and to the fundamental tone, as obtained by touching lightly the node points of a string while playing it. Its most important application is in the playing of brass instruments

---

harmonic series Scientific  

1. A series whose terms are in harmonic progression, especially the series 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 + …. and so on.

---

Etymology

Origin of harmonic series

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

For the purposes of understanding music theory, however, the important thing about standing waves in winds is this: the harmonic series they produce is essentially the same as the harmonic series on a string.

From Literature

Thus a bugle player can play any note in the harmonic series of the instrument that falls within the player's range.

From Literature

Figure 4.41: Although limited by the fact that it can only play one harmonic series, the bugle can still play many well-known tunes.

From Literature

A brass instrument could play only the notes of one harmonic series.

From Literature

This is also because of the harmonic series.

From Literature