resonance

res·o·nance

noun \ˈre-zə-nən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s\

Definition of RESONANCE

1

a : the quality or state of being resonant

b (1) : a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system (2) : the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system

2

a : the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration

b : a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity)

c : a quality of richness or variety

d : a quality of evoking response <how much resonance the scandal seems to be having — United States News & World Report>

3

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

4

: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species

5

a : the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system

b : magnetic resonance

6

: an extremely short-lived elementary particle

7

: a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (as moons) that orbit a third (as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods

Examples of RESONANCE

1. the resonance of the singer's voice
2. His story didn't have much resonance with the audience.

Origin of RESONANCE

Middle English resonaunce, from Middle French resonance, from resoner to resound — more at resound

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise

res·o·nance

noun \ˈrez-^ən-ən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RESONANCE

1

: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity)

2

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

3

: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species

4

a : the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system b : magnetic resonance—see electron spin resonance

resonance

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In physics, the relatively large selective response of an object or a system that vibrates in step with an externally applied vibration. Acoustical resonance is the vibration induced in a string of a given pitch when a note of the same pitch is produced nearby, in the sound box of an instrument such as a guitar, or in the mouth or nasal cavity when speaking. Mechanical resonance, such as that produced in a bridge by wind or by marching soldiers, can eventually produce wide swings great enough to cause the bridge's destruction. Resonance in frequency-sensitive electrical circuits makes it possible for certain communication devices to accept signals of some frequencies while rejecting others. Magnetic resonance occurs when electrons or atomic nuclei respond to the application of magnetic fields by emitting or absorbing electromagnetic radiation. See also nuclear magnetic resonance.