1. frequencies that are whole number multiples of a fundamental frequency, producing overtones in music and sound
Usage: music; physics
2. the branch of acoustics dealing with musical sounds and their mathematical relationships
Usage: technical

Examples

• The guitar’s rich harmonics gave the chord a full, resonant sound.
• She studied harmonics to better understand how musical instruments produce their distinctive tones.
• The violin’s harmonics created beautiful overtones that filled the concert hall.
• Engineers use harmonics analysis to reduce unwanted frequencies in audio equipment.
• The physics professor explained how harmonics relate to the fundamental frequency.
• Digital synthesizers can generate complex harmonics to mimic acoustic instruments.