Which term refers to the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract?

The term that refers to the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract is known as formants. Formants are essential in speech and singing as they represent the spectral peaks of the sound wave produced by the vocal cords as they pass through the various articulatory structures of the vocal tract, such as the throat, mouth, and nasal cavity. These frequencies are responsible for the unique qualities of different vowel sounds.

Understanding formants is crucial for anyone studying vocal techniques, as manipulating them can enhance one's vocal quality and clarity. Other terms, while related to sound and music, do not specifically describe the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract. Harmonics pertain to the frequencies that are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, and overtones are a type of harmonic that is higher than the fundamental. Partial tones refer to individual components of a complex sound but do not specifically indicate the resonating qualities of the vocal tract like formants do.