Inharmonic

When the frequency of an overtone is not an integer multiple of the fundamental, the overtone is said to be inharmonic and is called a partial; its waveform is aperiodic.

Instruments of the percussion group, bells, and gongs in particular, have overtones which are largely inharmonic. As a result, such sounds may have indefinite or multiple pitches associated with them.

Compare: Harmonic, Periodic, Subharmonic. See: Spectrum, Timbre.