timbre — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   tone color

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   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.

2. The pitch of a sound as heard by the ear, described relative to its absolute pitch.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre.

3. The crest on a (helmet atop a) coat of arms.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncommon
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   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).

Noun

1. (music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound)

   Synonyms

   timberqualitytone

   Broader terms

   sound property

   Examples

   the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely

   the muffled tones of the broken bell summoned them to meet