harmonic series

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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmonic series¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The harmonic series is not just a useful idea constructed by music theory; it is often found in "real life," in the real-world physics of musical sounds.

From Literature

For example, a bugle can play only the notes of a specific harmonic series.

From Literature

And every musical note you hear is not a single pure frequency, but is actually a blend of the pitches of a particular harmonic series.

From Literature

Figure 6.1: Here are the first sixteen pitches in a harmonic series that starts on a C natural.

From Literature

Pure intervals are the ones found in the harmonic series, with very simple frequency ratios.

From Literature