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Oberton

overtone

noun OH-ber-tohn Rare

Also means

a partial frequency above the fundamental tone of a note

Usage Note

Oberton is one of the partials in the harmonic series above the fundamental. The pattern of Obertöne determines the Klangfarbe of each instrument. Obertongesang (throat singing) makes specific overtones audible.

Examples

"Der reiche Klang einer guten Geige kommt von ihren vielen Obertönen."

Natural Translation

The rich sound of a good violin comes from its many overtones.

Literal Translation

The rich sound of a good violin comes from its many upper-tones.

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