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

This set of waves is called a harmonic series.

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This is also because of the harmonic series.

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The valves can be used in combination, too, making even more harmonic series available.

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

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Notice that when two pitches are related in this simple-ratio way, it means that they can be considered part of the same harmonic series, and in fact the actual harmonic series of the two notes may also overlap and reinforce each other.

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