harmonics

[ hahr-mon-iks ]

noun

, Music.

1. (used with a singular verb) the science of musical sounds.
2. (used with a plural verb) the partials or overtones of a fundamental tone. Compare overtone ( def 1 ).
3. (used with a plural verb) the flageoletlike tones of a string, as a violin string, made to vibrate so as to bring out an overtone.

harmonics

/ hɑːˈmɒnɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the science of musical sounds and their acoustic properties
2. See harmonic
   functioning as plural the overtones of a fundamental note, as produced by lightly touching the string of a stringed instrument at one of its node points while playing See harmonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmonics¹

First recorded in 1700–10; harmonic, -ics

Example Sentences

It produced comparatively little foundation tone and a powerful chord of harmonics, many of them dissonant.

From Project Gutenberg

The dull tone of the old Diapasons was due to the absence of the upper harmonics or partials.

From Project Gutenberg

Although almost inaudible when played alone this stop generated harmonics which powerfully reinforced the tone of the full organ.

From Project Gutenberg

The vibrations of the steel tongue produce a compound sound composed of a fundamental and its harmonics.

From Project Gutenberg

The lower harmonics of the series cannot be obtained, owing to the limited capacity of the resonating cavity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrangement
• chord
• composition
• melody
• tune
• unity