An oscillation having a frequency that is a simple multiple of a fundamental sinusoidal oscillation. The fundamental frequency of a sinusoidal oscillation is usually called the first harmonic. The second harmonic has a frequency twice that of the fundamental and so on. A taut string or column of air, as in a violin or organ, will sound upper harmonics at the same time as the fundamental sounds. This is because the string or column of air divides itself into sections, each section then vibrating as if it were a whole. The upper harmonics are also called overtones, but the second harmonic is the first overtone, and so on. Musicians, however, often regard harmonic and overtone as synonymous, not counting the fundamental as a harmonic. See also spherical harmonics.