harmonics
harmonics Lexical Profile
harmonics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Component frequencies of an acoustic, electrical, or electromagnetic wave that are whole-number multiples of the fundamental frequency; overtones.
"The guitarist lightly touched the string directly above the twelfth fret to produce clear, bell-like harmonics."
The science or study of musical sounds, acoustic resonance, and the physical properties of vibrating waves.
"A thorough understanding of harmonics is essential for engineers designing concert halls and acoustic instruments."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the branch of acoustics or musical theory, 'harmonics' is treated as a singular uncountable noun (e.g., 'harmonics is a complex field'); when referring to individual overtones or component frequencies, it functions as the plural of 'harmonic' and takes a plural verb.
• Rhymes for harmonics
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived via Latin 'harmonicus' from Ancient Greek 'harmonikos' (skilled in music), from 'harmonia' (joint, agreement, concord), ultimately from the verb 'harmozein' (to fit together).