Timbre
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈtæmbɹə/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Timbre is a noun meaning The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.
Meaning
The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.
More Meanings
- The pitch of a sound as heard by the ear, described relative to its absolute pitch.
- (heraldry, uncommon) The crest on a (helmet atop a) coat of arms.
Example Sentences
When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre.
Quarterly the First quarter Siluer …, The second Siluer a Cheueron gules betweene three Castles Sables And to his timbre vpon his healme, an Elephants head in his proper Colours […]
The basilican pavilion [...] has frequently appeared on banners since the 13th century, but the pope has used it only rarely, as a timbre or crest above his coat of ARMS (a few examples exist from the time of MARTIN V).
It was a hard whisper to catch at first, since the grey moustache concealed all movements of the lips, and something in its timbre disturbed me greatly; but by concentrating my attention I could soon make out its purport surprisingly well.
Word Forms
- timbres
Synonyms for timbre
Depending on context, synonyms include quality, tone, timber.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include tone, quality, timber, tonality, tonation, soundiness.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.