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Overtones Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overtones

[ˈoʊ.vər.toʊnz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical sound

Overtones are higher frequency tones that resonate above the fundamental frequency of a musical sound. These tones give a richness and complexity to the overall sound.

Synonyms

harmonics, partials, resonances.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overtones

When describing the additional frequencies that are higher than the fundamental frequency in musical and acoustic contexts.

  • The overtones added a rich texture to the sound of the violin.
  • In acoustics, overtones help distinguish the timbre of different instruments.
harmonics

In music and physics, used to discuss integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, often in relation to vibrating strings or air columns.

  • When you pluck a guitar string, you can hear the fundamental note as well as its harmonics.
  • The harmonics created by the vocal cords are what give the human voice its unique sound.
partials

Technical term in music and acoustics for the constituents of a sound, including the fundamental frequency and any higher frequencies.

  • The analysis of the sound revealed numerous partials contributing to its complex timbre.
  • Understanding partials helps in creating realistic digital music synthesizers.
resonances

Used to describe the phenomena where a system vibrates at specific frequencies with larger amplitudes. Common in both physics and musical contexts.

  • The resonances in the concert hall enhance the quality of the music.
  • When you hit the right frequency, the glass started to vibrate due to its natural resonances.

Examples of usage

  • The flute produces beautiful overtones when played softly.
  • His singing voice had a clear presence of overtones.
  • The piano tuner adjusted the strings to enhance the overtones.
  • The overtones of the violin added depth to the music.
  • She could hear the overtones of the guitar in the distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • When a string vibrates, it creates not just a single sound, but several sounds or overtones that enrich the music.
  • In acoustics, overtones are important because they help determine the timbre, or color, of a sound, making a flute sound different from a piano even if they play the same note.

Music Theory

  • Overtones are classified into harmonic overtones, which are related to the fundamental frequency, and inharmonic overtones, which do not align with any whole number frequency.
  • Musicians can use overtones to create unique sounds and effects, like using multiphonics on a wind instrument to play multiple notes at once.

Psychology

  • Overtones influence how we perceive music emotionally; certain overtones can evoke feelings of joy, sadness, or nostalgia.
  • The presence of specific overtones can trigger memories and associations in listeners, engaging their emotional responses to music.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, the concept of overtones can reflect the deeper meanings and emotions behind words, enriching the text beyond its literal interpretation.
  • Writers often use language that carries overtones to evoke specific feelings or themes, creating layers of meaning similar to music.

Cultural Impact

  • Different cultures have varying interpretations of musical overtones, influencing their music styles and practices, such as the use of throat singing in Mongolian culture.
  • Overtones play a critical role in the construction of traditional instruments, where artisans design to enhance specific auditory layers that reflect their heritage.

Origin of 'overtones'

The term 'overtones' originated in the field of acoustics to describe the higher frequency tones that accompany the fundamental frequency of a sound. Overtones play a crucial role in defining the timbre and character of musical instruments. The concept of overtones has been studied and utilized in music theory and sound engineering for centuries, contributing to the richness and complexity of musical compositions.

See also: intone, monotone, overtone, ton, tonality, toned, toner, tones, toning, undertone, undertones.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,263, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.