harmonic
pronunciation
How to pronounce harmonic in British English:
UK [hɑːˈmɒnɪk]
How to pronounce harmonic in American English:
US [hɑːrˈmɑːnɪk]
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- Noun:
- a tone that is a component of a complex sound
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- Adjective:
- of or relating to harmony as distinct from melody and rhythm
- of or relating to the branch of acoustics that studies the composition of musical sounds
- relating to vibrations that occur as a result of vibrations in a nearby body
- involving or characterized by harmony
Word Origin
- harmonic (adj.)
- 1560s, "relating to music," from Latin harmonicus, from Greek harmonikos "harmonic, musical, skilled in music," from harmonia (see harmony). From 1660s as "tuneful, harmonious; relating to harmony" (earlier as armonical "tuneful, harmonious," c. 1500). The noun, short for harmionic tone, is recorded from 1777. Related: Harmonically.
Example
- 1. Nerve fibers and collagen are blue ( third harmonic ) and grey ( second harmonic ) , respectively .
- 2. Music is most likely to tingle the spine , in short , when it includes surprises in volume , timbre and harmonic pattern .
- 3. But the frequencies have a special harmonic relationship , which is why you hear it as a single sound with a single pitch .
- 4. Although the harmonic techniques of the symphony were only moderately removed from 19th-century techniques , soviet authorities were displeased at the acid sarcasm they heard beneath the first movement 's jubilant surface .
- 5. Unfortunately , the forces caused by the secondary harmonic remain out of kilter as a result of the pistons having to accelerate and decelerate faster in the upper half of the cylinders than in the lower half .