fundamental frequency

noun

, Physics.

1. the lowest frequency at which a medium will freely oscillate.
2. the frequency of the fundamental.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fundamental frequency¹

Probably earlier than 1960–65

Example Sentences

When the string of an instrument is struck, the fundamental frequency is overlaid by several harmonic overtones.

From Science Daily

The song or fundamental frequency of the blue whale is so deep and such a low frequency that it is beyond the range of human hearing.

From BBC

Over five decades, the “fundamental frequency” of a test group of women’s voices dropped by 23 Hz, which correlates with women’s entry into a previously male-dominated workplace.

From The Guardian

The lowest frequency an individual produced – what in acoustics is called their fundamental frequency – and the loudness of its calls were the factors that best differentiated among the captive individuals.

From Salon

But “the fundamental frequency of those calls was above 10 kilohertz,” he said.

From New York Times