noun
1. : a theory of hearing: different sections of the basilar membrane of the organ of Corti are tuned to different vibration rates and set up sympathetic vibrations that stimulate sensory nerve endings when the cochlear endolymph is vibrating at a corresponding frequency
2. : a theory in physiology: different forms of excitation arise in the central nervous system, are transmitted diffusely to the endorgans, but are individually capable of effectively stimulating only those muscles or other motor organs that are responsive to their particular frequency