resonance

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

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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 story of Albertine’s early life and its resonances in the present is interspersed with an account of the night of her mother’s death, the same night as her first book-release party.

— joanna scutts, The New Republic, "Viv Albertine’s Punk Memories," 10 May 2018
Are there doubts about your ability to harness this energy, or to feel the full force of its emotional resonance?

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes January 29-February 4," 5 Apr. 2018
The poignant selection of songs sourced by Walker and Moran were transformed into something grating, which had the odd effect of intensifying their emotional resonance.

— pelican bomb, NOLA.com, "This calliope performance was meant to be disturbing," 7 Mar. 2018
Nothing the United States comes up with will match its resonance or its beloved, unifying nature.

— rich lowry, National Review, "Yes, Throw a Parade," 9 Feb. 2018
Like several other iconic chairs, including the Eames fiberglass armchair, the Louis Ghost owes a lot of its resonance to its engineering — Kartell, the company that makes the chair, created it from polycarbonate plastic.

— becca endicott, ELLE Decor, "The History Of The Louis Ghost Chair: 5 Things You Need To Know About Philippe Starck's Masterpiece," 19 Jan. 2018
Back in Britain, the tapestry announcement was met with enthusiasm given its powerful historical resonance -- some speculate it might have been woven by nuns in Kent not France.

— ian wishart, Bloomberg.com, "Brexit Talks Let France Give Ancient Foe Another One in the Eye," 17 Jan. 2018
The issue took on new resonance after the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., and appeals to the female suburban voters who helped Gov. Ralph Northam (D) win last year — a victory Democrats in Virginia’s 10th District hope to replicate in November.

— jenna portnoy, Washington Post, "Democrat buys semiautomatic rifle at Va. gun show in under 10 minutes," 1 May 2018
Like so many other old stories now, the parade of Picasso’s women—ironically, the dramatic heart of this story of genius—takes on a certain resonance.

— dorothy rabinowitz, WSJ, "‘Genius: Picasso’ Review: Great Art and Mistresses Galore," 19 Apr. 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