subharmonic

American  

[suhb-hahr-mon-ik] / ˌsʌb hɑrˈmɒn ɪk /

noun

Physics.

1. an oscillation that has a frequency which is an integral submultiple of the frequency of a related oscillation.

---

subharmonic British  

/ ˌsʌbhɑːˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. a fraction of a frequency

---

Etymology

Origin of subharmonic

sub- + harmonic

Example Sentences

Step 1 in producing a subharmonic is “clunk,” a brusque, decisive smack of the bow on the G string.

From New York Times • May 14, 2011

So far she has mastered the subharmonic octave, third, second and fifth.

From New York Times • May 14, 2011

She is now pursuing the elusive subharmonic fourth, undeterred by a suspicion that it may be an impossibility.

From New York Times • May 14, 2011