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
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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
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That Court has her name on a venue at a Grand Slam event has also given this extra resonance perhaps.
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And researchers assessed the activity of brain regions involved with executive function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures activity based on blood flow in the brain.
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The country is also the single largest exporter of helium -- a gas with uses ranging from balloons to magnetic resonance imaging equipment -- and supplies about 30 percent of the global market, according to an IHS Markit report emailed on June 23.
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Using a magnetic resonance scanner, a noninvasive instrument that can peer deeply inside the body, the scientists measured the amount of fat in each bird before and after the 2-hour flight test—a proxy for how much energy the birds spent.
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The line had powerful resonance: Clinton was digging very close to the heart of the national psyche, to the inchoate sense of loss that runs so hard and deep beneath the surface of the electorate this year.
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This was a tender, even noble performance, with each circa-1910 effect having poetic resonance.
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From the magnetic resonance images taken at UC Health, Kanter said Warmbier’s injury most likely occurred because his heart stopped, cutting off oxygen to the brain.
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The mirror vehicular attacks at London Bridge and Finsbury Park, separated by barely more than two weeks, are only the most striking parallel within a larger social resonance.
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
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
RESONANCE Defined for English Language Learners
resonance
playDefinition of resonance for English Language Learners
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: the quality of a sound that stays loud, clear, and deep for a long time
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: a quality that makes something personally meaningful or important to someone
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: 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
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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
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