timbre

Plural: timbres

Noun

• The characteristic quality of a sound, distinct from its pitch and intensity.
• (music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound)
  • "the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely"
• The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.
• The pitch of a sound as heard by the ear, described relative to its absolute pitch.
• The crest on a (helmet atop a) coat of arms.

Examples

• The TIMBRE of his opponent’s sigh indicated a difficult letter rack, not a good one.
• When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre.

Synonyms

quality, timber, tone

Related Words

TIMBRAL