resonance

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

: 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

Full Definition of RESONANCE

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

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 (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 — United States News & World Report>

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

: 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

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

: an extremely short-lived elementary particle

: a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (as moons) that orbit a third (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

Origin 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

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise

RESONANCE Defined for Kids

resonance

noun res·o·nance \ˈre-zə-nəns\

Definition of RESONANCE for Kids

: 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

: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity)

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

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