| overtone [`ō·vǝr´tōn] ACOUSTICS 1. A component of a complex sound whose frequency is an integral multiple, greater than 1, of the fundamental frequency. 2. A component of a complex tone having a pitch higher than that of the fundamental pitch. MECHANICS One of the normal modes of vibration of a vibrating system whose frequency is greater than that of the fundamental mode. PHYSICS A harmonic other than the fundamental component. |