Overtone vs. Undertone

Overtonenoun

A tone whose frequency is an integer multiple of another; a member of the harmonic series

Overtonenoun

An implicit message (in a film, book, verbal discussion or similar) perceived as overwhelming the explicit message. See undertone.

Overtonenoun

One of the harmonics faintly heard with and at a higher frequency than a fundamental tone as it dies away, produced by some aliquot portion of the vibrating sting or column of air which yields the fundamental tone; one of the natural harmonic scale of tones, as the octave, twelfth, fifteenth, etc.; an aliquot or "partial" tone; a harmonic. See Harmonic, and Tone.

Overtonenoun

(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality;

Overtonenoun

a harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency

Overtone

An overtone is any frequency greater than the fundamental frequency of a sound. In other words, overtones are higher pitches resulting from the lowest note or fundamental.

Undertonenoun

An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.

Undertonenoun

An implicit message perceived subtly alongside, but not detracting noticeably from, the explicit message conveyed in or by a book, film, verbal dialogue or similar (contrast with overtone); an undercurrent.

Undertonenoun

A pale colour, or one seen underneath another colour.

Undertonenoun

A low state of the physical faculties.

Undertoneverb

To accompany as an undertone.

Undertoneverb

To say or speak in an undertone.

Undertoneverb

To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.

Undertonenoun

A low or subdued tone or utterance; a tone less loud than usual.

Undertonenoun

a quiet or hushed tone of voice;

Undertonenoun

subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning

Undertonenoun

a pale or subdued color