overtone Definition
over·tone (ō′vər tōn′)
noun
- Acoustics, Music any of the attendant higher tones heard with a fundamental tone produced by the vibration of a given string or column of air, having a frequency of vibration that is an exact multiple of the frequency of the fundamental
- an implication; nuance: usually used in pl. a reply full of overtones
Etymology: transl. of Ger oberton, contr. < oberpartialton, upper partial tone
overtone Synonyms
overtone Usage Examples
Preposition: of
something: There was an overtone of something crawling to her voice, an ominous rustle of danger.
Converse of object
- have: Inappropriate therapy can have overtones of " curing " rather than " teaching " .
- contain: Much of my work contains overtones of magic and ancient beliefs.
- produce: All will be tuned in other to produce overtones of the fundamental note.
- give: Any artistic abilities you may possess are given a strong dramatic overtone.
- acquire: For them, the term " online auction " acquired sinister overtones.
Adjective modifier
- pejorative: Myths are deadly serious Modern mythologists use the term ' myth ' without any pejorative overtones.
- sinister: For them, the term " online auction " acquired sinister overtones.
- harmonic: The effect of the harmonic overtones is then to modify the quality or character 5 of the note, independently of pitch.
- erotic: Christopher Lee is the sinister community leader whilst erotic overtones are kept bubbling by Britt Ekland.
- racist: In the Western press these kinds of things are often reported with racist overtones: 'What can one expect of Africans?
- racial: To let racial overtones obscure the way you see yourself, then clearly you would be the slave.
Modifies a noun
- singing: Candida Valentino - high overtone singing, toning with high Tibetan singing bowl.
- series: I was training myself to hear the overtone series and combining that with a rock or Metal esthetic.
- structure: Even low-pitched instruments with complex overtone structures are detected with the precision you expect from Korg.
- crystal: The updated circuit uses one of the latest third overtone crystals.
Noun used with modifier
- jazz: His high energy, groove-based funky dance music -with jazz overtones - appeals to audiences of all ages.
- expressionism: Oil Paintings - For Sale Abstract art: Big esoteric oil paintings with expressionism overtones.
- vanilla: Tasting its fruity character and vanilla overtones relaxes you immediately.

