timbre
noun /ˈtæmbə(r)/
/ˈtæmbər/
(formal)- the quality of sound that is produced by a particular voice or musical instrument
- the deep timbre of his voice
Extra ExamplesTopics Languagec2, Musicc2- Differing timbres ensure that we are able to distinguish between notes produced by a flute and a viola.
- Timbre is what makes one instrument or voice sound different from another.
Word Originmid 19th cent.: from French, from medieval Greek timbanon, from Greek tumpanon ‘drum’.