Partial

Any single frequency component within a sound, including the fundamental frequency, harmonics and inharmonics. Partials combine to create the overall tone or timbre of a sound. The fundamental is the first partial and determines the pitch, while higher partials add richness and character. In harmonic sounds like a triangle wave, partials are neatly aligned as multiples of the fundamental. In inharmonic sounds like bells or cymbals, partials don’t follow such strict patterns, creating more complex textures.