overtone means A tone whose frequency is an integer multiple of another; a member of the harmonic series.
overtone is pronounced /ˈoʊvɚtoʊn/.
Why “overtone” is a great word
A secondary tone, especially a harmonic, or an implicit or additional meaning or quality. From over- (above, beyond) + tone, a calque of German Oberton (Ober- "upper, over" + Ton "tone"). Unlike "undertone," a subdued quality lurking beneath the surface, or "connotation," the broad associative baggage a word carries, an overtone is a specific, perceptible resonance that emerges within a particular moment—a thing heard or felt in addition, not in place of. It is the faint metallic ring that persists after the bell has been struck, the particular shade of irony in a father's praise, or the ghost of bitterness lingering in a nostalgic sigh. We are never hearing only one thing; we are always hearing what else is there.
Etymology
From over- + tone, calque of German Oberton.
noun
- A tone whose frequency is an integer multiple of another; a member of the harmonic series.
- An implicit message (in a film, book, verbal discussion, or similar) perceived as overwhelming the explicit message.“A window opened above the shop, and a frowsty-looking man, yellow-pale, was quickly and nervously hauling in the national flag. There were shouts of derision and mockery—a great overtone of acrid derision—the flag and its owner ignominiously disappeared.”
- An implicit message (in a film, book, verbal discussion, or similar) perceived subtly alongside, but not overwhelming, the explicit message.“It has already been established that the crew was competent and qualified for operation of AS66. With the exception of some overtones of irritation about the manner in which another aircraft, N799Y, affected the flight's progress into the Juneau area, the recorded cockpit conversation, in general, reflects a relaxed but businesslike atmosphere.”
verb
- To give an overtone to.“The flesh tints appear to have been darkened by being overworked; the draperies are overtoned in the same way […]”
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