subharmonic

American  

[suhb-hahr-mon-ik] / ˌsʌb hɑrˈmɒn ɪk /

noun

Physics.

1. an oscillation that has a frequency which is an integral submultiple of the frequency of a related oscillation.

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subharmonic British  

/ ˌsʌbhɑːˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. a fraction of a frequency

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Etymology

Origin of subharmonic

sub- + harmonic

Example Sentences

He said that the trials so far declared successful have been under only modest sea conditions that fail to represent anywhere near the threat of the phenomenon of extreme oscillation called subharmonic resonance.

From Seattle Times

Subharmonics Technology aside, a striking component of Kimura's performance is the integration of her subharmonic bowing techniques that she has been developing for nearly two decades.

From Scientific American

Throughout her performance Kimura's bow flew across the strings as she delved into the subharmonic range and back, often during a single bow stroke.

From Scientific American

She is now pursuing the elusive subharmonic fourth, undeterred by a suspicion that it may be an impossibility.

From New York Times

Step 1 in producing a subharmonic is “clunk,” a brusque, decisive smack of the bow on the G string.

From New York Times