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Glite Dictionary
🌡️ Not simple motion 🔔 Not pure tone
anharmonic

anharmonic

9.6
A sound whose higher tones are not exact multiples of the main tone and that often sounds metallic
  • adjective
  • /ˌæn.hɑːrˈmɒn.ɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anharmónico
  • The old bell produced an anharmonic sound that was noticeably different from a pure tone.

Examples

  • Some percussion instruments are valued for their unique anharmonic timbres.

  • Engineers studied the anharmonic vibrations in the metal to improve the instrument's design.

  • The anharmonic tones created a unique listening experience.

  • Can you hear the anharmonic frequencies in that piece?

  • The old bell produced an anharmonic sound that was noticeably different from a pure tone.

  • Some percussion instruments are valued for their unique anharmonic timbres.

  • Can you hear the anharmonic frequencies in that piece?

Synonyms

tinny
vsanharmonic
6 6.2

A thin sound like metal that lacks depth

refers to specific overtone patterns causing metallic quality rather than just thinness
inharmonic
vsanharmonic
9.9

A sound that does not fit with other tones and seems rough

is a technical acoustic term about overtone ratios rather than general disharmony
nonharmonic
vsanharmonic
  • Specialized
9.1

A note that does not fit the other notes and sounds different

means a waveform property about overtone ratios, not contextual harmonic fit

Antonyms

harmonic
  • Specialized
3 6.7

A tone made when a string vibrates in parts above the main tone

How Harmonic

harmonic
  • Specialized
3 6.7
anharmonic
  • Specialized
9.6

Surface Forms

anharmonic positive

Morphology

anharmonic = harmonic (semi-transparent) = an + harmonic

The negative prefix 'an-' is directly attached to 'harmonic' to mean 'not harmonic', a straightforward morphological negation.

Etymology

Anharmonic comes from an- meaning 'not' and harmonic, the same root as 'harmony' or 'harmonica', so it literally means 'not in harmony'. A helpful image is a sound whose higher tones do not fit the main note, which is why an anharmonic sound can seem metallic or unusual.