resonance
noun
res·o·nance ˈre-zə-nən(t)s 
ˈrez-nən(t)s
1
a
: the quality or state of being resonant
b(1)
: a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system
(2)
: the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system
2
a
: the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration
b
: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (such as the mouth or the nasal cavity)
c
: a quality of richness or variety
d
: a quality of evoking response
how much resonance the scandal seems to be having 
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report3
: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest
4
: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (such as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species
5
a
: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system
b
: magnetic resonance
6
: an extremely short-lived elementary particle
7
: a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (such as moons) that orbit a third (such as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods
Did you know?
Resonance Uses Beyond Sound
Many of the finest musical instruments possess a high degree of resonance which, by producing additional vibrations and echoes of the original sound, enriches and amplifies it. Violins made by the Italian masters Stradivari and Guarneri possess a quality of resonance that later violinmakers have never precisely duplicated. And you may have noticed how a particular note will start something in a room buzzing, as one of the touching surfaces begins to resonate with the note. Because of that, resonance and resonate—along with the adjective resonant—aren't always used to describe sound. For example, you may say that a novel resonates strongly with you because the author seems to be describing your own experiences and feelings.
Example Sentences
the resonance of the singer's voice His story didn't have much resonance with the audience.
Recent Examples on the Web In fact, the resonance of The Survivor rings too true today. Barry Levinson, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2022 The historical resonance of the nomination was not lost on Jackson herself. Imeime Umana, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2022 The orchestra rises to groaning roars — though these climaxes are more poised than raw — that tend to cut off abruptly, leaving the hazy resonance of bells and a shimmering battery of percussion before the next slow buildup. New York Times, 12 July 2022 And this is where the emotional resonance of this quietly extraordinary movie lies. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2022 Printmaker Suzanne Mosely relishes the resonance of keepsakes. Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2022 From this specificity, the sonic resonance of it, the reader knows that their visit will involve some kind of unacknowledged disharmony. Idra Novey, The Atlantic, 22 May 2022 At the end of the program, the president appears and pays tribute to the restoration, noting the resonance of the building’s history. Washington Post, 4 May 2022 Participants examine the resonance of these ancient characters and themes in the 21st century. Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2022 See More
Barry Levinson, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2022 The historical resonance of the nomination was not lost on Jackson herself. Imeime Umana, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2022 The orchestra rises to groaning roars — though these climaxes are more poised than raw — that tend to cut off abruptly, leaving the hazy resonance of bells and a shimmering battery of percussion before the next slow buildup. New York Times, 12 July 2022 And this is where the emotional resonance of this quietly extraordinary movie lies. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2022 Printmaker Suzanne Mosely relishes the resonance of keepsakes. Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2022 From this specificity, the sonic resonance of it, the reader knows that their visit will involve some kind of unacknowledged disharmony. Idra Novey, The Atlantic, 22 May 2022 At the end of the program, the president appears and pays tribute to the restoration, noting the resonance of the building’s history. Washington Post, 4 May 2022 Participants examine the resonance of these ancient characters and themes in the 21st century. Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English resonaunce, from Middle French resonance, from resoner to resound — more at resound
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing resonance
Kids Definition
resonance
noun
res·o·nance ˈre-zə-nəns
: a long loud, clear, and deep quality of sound
Medical Definition
resonance
noun
res·o·nance ˈrez-ᵊn-ən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s
1
: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity)
2
: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest
3
: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species
4
a
: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system
b
: magnetic resonance see electron spin resonance