Frequency
The number of sound-wave vibrations per second, measured in hertz, that determines how high or low a pitch sounds.
Category
pitch
Pronunciation
/ˈfriːkwənsi/
Origin
Latin (frequentia)
Length
162 words · 1 min read
About Frequency
Frequency is the physical property behind our perception of pitch. A higher frequency means a higher-sounding note; doubling the frequency raises the pitch by exactly one octave.
More pitch terms
Risonamento
View all pitchterms →A rarely used Italian term for the sustained resonance produced by sympathetic vibration between strings
IntonationThe accuracy with which a performer produces the correct pitch of each note.
Enharmonic EquivalentTwo notes that sound the same pitch but are written with different letter names, such as F-sharp and G-flat.
FlatAn accidental that lowers the pitch of a note by one semitone.
SharpAn accidental that raises the pitch of a note by one semitone.
Synonyms
See Also
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →