High frequency sound waves are known as:

High frequency sound waves are referred to as overtones. In the study of sound, overtones occur when a vibrating object, such as a string or an air column, produces sound waves at frequencies that are higher than the fundamental frequency. The fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency of a sound, and the overtones are whole number multiples of this frequency, contributing to the richness and complexity of the sound.

Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how different sounds are produced and perceived. While fundamental waves describe the primary tone of a sound, it is the overtones that create the unique timbre of different instruments and voices. The relationship between the fundamental frequency and its overtones is crucial in music and acoustics, influencing how we distinguish between different sounds.

The terms consonance and dissonance relate to harmony and the perception of sounds in relation to one another, rather than directly describing the frequency of sound waves. Thus, overtones are the most accurate term for high frequency sound waves resulting from the fundamental frequency.