noun

resonance

REZ-uh-nuns/ˈrezənəns/

Reinforcement of vibration through a matching frequency.

Rubbing the rim sustains resonance in the vibrating singing bowl.

A large bronze singing bowl being rubbed around rim, warm subtle vibration lines conveying prolonged rich sound.

Etymology

reLatinback, again

+sonLatinto sound

+anceLatinaction or state

The pieces evoke sound coming back or sounding again—an echo. Resonance first described sound prolonged or repeated through reflection, connecting that returning sound with the continuing, full quality heard in a resonant tone.

In context

RiffShop1:15

it actually ruins the resonance of the sound and ironically makes it quieter.

The 5 biggest FRY SCREAMING mistakes (And how to fix them!)

More examples

Pushing a swing at its natural frequency produces resonance.
The engineer changes the machine's speed to prevent damaging resonance.
The experiment reveals two resonances at different frequencies.

Forms

resonance · resonances

resonate verb — To vibrate strongly at a matching frequency.

resonant adjective — Showing enhanced vibration at a matching frequency.

Similar words

sympathetic vibration: Specifically describes one vibrating object exciting another at a matching frequency.
amplification: Means increased strength without necessarily involving a matching frequency.