Overtone
/ˈoʊ.vərˌtoʊn/noun
A musical tone that is a part of a harmonic series and accompanies a fundamental tone.
Did you know?In mystical traditions, overtones were believed to resonate with spiritual frequencies, connecting listeners to other realms.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
English
ofer
“over, above”
Old English
English
tōn
“a sound, tone, or musical note”
Middle English
English
overtone
“a sound or tone that is above the main tone”
16th Century
English
overtone
“a secondary sound that accompanies a primary sound”
Modern English
English
overtone
“the concept of secondary tones in music, associated with harmony and resonance.”