top noten.
/ˈtɒp nəʊt/, U.S. /ˈtɑp ˌnoʊt/ 1. A note in the upper register of a person's voice; (also) the highest note that a singer can reach. Also in extended use and figurative.In quot. 1776 in extended use referring to an actress delivering a speech.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > [noun] > high pitch > high sound or note
sharp1612
treblea1616
high C1837
1776 Morning Chron. & London Advertiser 14 Dec. Mrs. Robinson's top notes, and even her middle ones, are coarse, deep, drawling, and insufficient. Her compass of voice is unequal to any thing impassioned.
1842 Morning Post 11 Jan. She had a fine effect to produce in her top notes, towering above the chorus and band.
1874 London Society Feb. 130/1 Sometimes, it must be admitted, she rushes at her top notes.
1908 A. Noyes William Morris 54 Never once do we feel that he is exerting himself, or on his top-note.
2011 Early Music 39 660/1 Elsewhere some of her top notes are unpleasantly caustic.
2. In perfumery: the dominant initial scent or note (note n.2 10b) in a fragrance, which dissipates quickly.Cf. middle note n., base note n., bottom note n. 3.
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1932 Perfumery & Essent. Oil Rec. July 215/2 They have created this new chemical body [for soaps], which..will give an exquisite, lasting and really sweet top-note.
1995 Eaton's Beauty Reflections 4/1 Crisp citrus and lavender create an invigorating top note.
2022 Warrington Guardian (Nexis) 2 Feb. A delicate, refined scent, the top note of lily evokes summer ambiance.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022).
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n.1776