HARMONIC SERIES Definition & Meaning

harmonic series

noun

Mathematics.

a series in which the reciprocals of the terms form an arithmetic progression.
the divergent infinite series, 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 + 1/5 + . . . .

harmonic series

noun

maths a series whose terms are in harmonic progression, as in 1 + 1 2 + 1 3 + …
acoustics the series of tones with frequencies strictly related to one another and to the fundamental tone, as obtained by touching lightly the node points of a string while playing it. Its most important application is in the playing of brass instruments

harmonic series

A series whose terms are in harmonic progression, especially the series 1 + 1 2 + 1 3 + 1 4 + …. and so on.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of harmonic series¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The answers to all of these questions have to do with the harmonic series.

From

But the relationship between the frequencies of a harmonic series is always the same.

From

Predict the next four sets of octaves in a harmonic series.

From

To find out more about harmonics and how they affect a musical sound, see Harmonic Series.

From

For the purposes of understanding music theory, however, the important thing about standing waves in winds is this: the harmonic series they produce is essentially the same as the harmonic series on a string.

From

Browse