Definition of resonance
1a : the quality or state of being resonantb (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
2a : the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibrationb : 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 varietyd : 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
5a : the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the systemb : 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of resonance in a sentence
the resonance of the singer's voice
His story didn't have much resonance with the audience.
Did You Know?
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
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
RESONANCE Defined for English Language Learners
resonance
playDefinition 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
playDefinition of resonance for Students
: a long loud, clear, and deep quality of sound
Medical Dictionary
resonance
playMedical 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
4a: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the systemb: magnetic resonance—see electron spin resonance
Learn More about resonance
-
Spanish Central: Translation of resonance Nglish: Translation of resonance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of resonance for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about resonance
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up resonance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!