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DictionaryharmonicReciprocal relationships
adjective

harmonic

Relating to mathematical relationships based on reciprocals.

They calculated the harmonic mean of the rates.

Etymology
harmonGreekjoining; musical harmony
+icEnglishrelating to

The Greek root names joining or harmony. Reciprocal relationships received the harmonic name through numerical relationships associated with musical intervals.

More examples

  • The exercise compared arithmetic and harmonic averages.
  • A harmonic progression appeared in the sequence.
  • The formula used the reciprocals to obtain a harmonic mean.

Forms

harmonic

Similar words

arithmetic
An arithmetic mean averages values directly; a harmonic mean averages their reciprocals and takes the reciprocal.
geometric
A geometric mean uses products and roots; a harmonic mean uses reciprocals.