What does harmonics mean?
Harmonics names two closely related technical ideas. In acoustics, music, and signal processing, it refers to sinusoidal components of a repeating waveform, especially components whose frequencies are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency. These components shape timbre, so two instruments playing the same pitch can still sound distinctly different. In mathematics, harmonics is the study of functions and wave forms that can be expressed through sinusoidal components. The plural form is established, and “the harmonics of a signal” is a standard technical expression. The word is usually formal and specialized, but it also gives a precise name to a familiar acoustic phenomenon. Understanding harmonics helps explain why pitch is not the only determinant of a sound’s identity. It also provides a bridge between a musician’s hearing and the mathematical analysis of vibration.
noun (plural)The sinusoidal components of a repeating waveform, especially those whose frequencies are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency. By extension, it can also refer to the branch of mathematics concerned with wave forms and their decomposition into such components.
- Sinusoidal components of a periodic waveform, especially components at integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, as studied in acoustics, music, and signal processing.
- The branch of mathematics concerned with wave forms and functions that can be represented in terms of sinusoidal components.
"The mix contains strong lower harmonics that give the instrument its warm tone."
"The mix contains strong lower harmonics that give the instrument its warm tone."
"Fourier analysis separates a repeating waveform into its harmonics."
The established plural of the noun harmonic, especially for individual component frequencies or for the mathematical field.
"The first two harmonics dominate the waveform."
A violin and a flute can play the same note yet sound different because the strengths of their harmonics differ.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of harmonics
The English word derives through Latin harmonicus from Greek harmonikos, meaning “musical” or “harmonious.” Greek harmonikos is associated with harmos, “a joining or fastening,” and the related noun harmonia, meaning “arrangement” or “musical consonance.” From harmonic, the established English plural harmonics was formed; its mathematical sense developed later as the study of sinusoidal decomposition. Related words include harmony, harmonize, and harmonium.
How harmonics is actually used
This is a technical and generally formal word. In acoustics, harmonics is more precise than overtones because it normally refers specifically to components at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency.
Easily confused with harmonics
Harmony concerns the relationship among simultaneous musical notes, whereas harmonics are the component frequencies that make up an individual musical tone.