harmonic series

noun

, Mathematics.

harmonic series

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.

First recorded in 1865–70

The euphonium gives out the fundamental, or first note of the harmonic series, readily, but no harmonic above the eighth.

The unisonous quality of octaves is easily explained when we examine the “harmonic series” of upper partials (see Sound).

It is left to the teacher to explain, by the ratios found in the overtones of the Harmonic Series, the validity of this statement.

We thus find a fundamental difference between the trumpet and the bugle as regards the harmonic series.

The harmonic series consists of the harmonics from the 1st to the 8th.

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