resonance

noun

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res·o·nance | \ ˈre-zə-nən(t)s

, ˈrez-nən(t)s \

Definition of resonance

1a : 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

2a : 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

5a : 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

Resonance Uses Beyond Sound Example Sentences Phrases Containing resonance Learn More About resonance

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.

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 on the Web Important above all are the relationship, resonance, goal, solution and resource orientation, as well as the stimulation of reflection processes. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 May 2022 There’s resonance in a body that forces families to deal with death. — Karen Heller, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2022 There’s resonance in a body that forces families to deal with death. — Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 Short stories encompassing the experiences of Cambodian American immigrants give this book significant contemporary cultural resonance, which could be appealing to the judging committee, but short stories are historically a tough sell for the prize. — John Warner, chicagotribune.com, 9 Apr. 2022 More than that, there’s also the richer resonance for audiences of connecting to a place that has summoned so many joyful memories. — Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Feb. 2022 Nevertheless, the topic has growing resonance in Japan, with Abe one of the highest-profile backers of softening curbs. — Kanoko Matsuyama, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2022 The perilous resonance of the moment for Democrats, with voting rights bills stuck in the Senate, was summed up by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was with him in Georgia. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, 12 Jan. 2022 Yet despite, or perhaps because of, the work’s broad resonance, Doherty has developed some qualms about its reception. — New York Times, 10 Jan. 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About resonance

Dictionary Entries Near resonance

resolving time

resonance

resonance absorption

Statistics for resonance

Last Updated

16 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Resonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resonance. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for resonance

resonance

noun

res·o·nance | \ ˈre-zə-nəns

Kids Definition of resonance

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

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

4a : 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