resonance

noun res·o·nance \ ˈre-zə-nən(t)s , ˈrez-nən(t)s \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Editor's Note: resonance Uses Beyond Sound

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 (such 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
—U.S. News & World Report

3 : the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

4 : the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (such 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 (such as moons) that orbit a third (such as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods

See resonance defined for English-language learners

See resonance defined for kids

Examples of resonance in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of resonance from the Web

The climax has gone out of that dynamic, but the resonance remains.

— jonathan wilson, SI.com, "England's World Cup Run, Southgate Represent More for a Nation in Political Upheaval," 12 July 2018
Though understated, the look carried the resonance of inclusivity as well as awareness of what’s going on in fashion.

— katherine cusumano, Teen Vogue, "First Lady Fashion Moments That Made History for the Right Reasons," 23 June 2018
The ratification by the state’s House of Representatives, by a 72-45 vote, had symbolic resonance because Illinois was the home of Phyllis Schlafly, an anti-feminist activist who led a national campaign against in the ERA in the 1970s.

— stephanie russell-kraft, The New Republic, "Why the Equal Rights Amendment Still Matters," 14 June 2018
But in terms of cultural resonance and mass popularity, it’s largely lost its clout.

— michael j. socolow, Smithsonian, "In its Heyday, Mad Magazine Was a Lot More Than Silly Jokes," 11 May 2018
Yet to some extent both have resonance with what’s going on in the world now.

— bill goodykoontz, azcentral, "Steven Spielberg on why the story of 'Ready Player One' matters over the special effects," 23 Mar. 2018
Now that was a show to remember, and an assertion of pride that took on additional resonance in light of the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant sentiments and policies.

— zoë madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "With big assists from Moreno and Giddens, the Pops envisions a welcoming America," 5 July 2018
Amid the broader national reckoning, his voice has taken on a new resonance.

— hannah giorgis, The Atlantic, "Terry Crews and the Discomfort of Masculine Anxiety," 29 June 2018
The issue took on special resonance on Father's Day as Democratic lawmakers made visits to detention facilities in Texas and New Jersey to protest the separations and the House prepared to take up immigration legislation this week.

— author: peter baker, Anchorage Daily News, "Voices in both parties call for halt to practice of separating families at border," 18 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resonance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

resonance Uses Beyond Sound

Many of the finest musical instruments possess a high degree of resonance which, by producing additional vibrations and echoes of the original sound, enriches and amplifies it. Violins made by the Italian masters Stradivari and Guarneri possess a quality of resonance that later violinmakers have never precisely duplicated. And you may have noticed how a particular note will start something in a room buzzing, as one of the touching surfaces begins to resonate with the note. Because of that, resonance and resonate—along with the adjective resonant—aren't always used to describe sound. For example, you may say that a novel resonates strongly with you because the author seems to be describing your own experiences and feelings.

Origin and Etymology of resonance

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise

RESONANCE Defined for English Language Learners

resonance

noun

Definition of resonance for English Language Learners

: the quality of a sound that stays loud, clear, and deep for a long time
: a quality that makes something personally meaningful or important to someone
: a sound or vibration produced in one object that is caused by the sound or vibration produced in another

RESONANCE Defined for Kids

resonance

noun res·o·nance \ ˈre-zə-nəns \

Definition of resonance for Students

: a long loud, clear, and deep quality of sound

Medical Dictionary

resonance

noun res·o·nance \ ˈrez-ᵊn-ən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s \

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