timbre

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtambə/

noun

  • the character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity: trumpet mutes with different timbres [mass noun]: a voice high in pitch but rich in timbre
  • [mass noun] the distinctive quality or character of someone or something: you must demonstrate your moral timbre as a human being

Origin:

mid 19th century: from French, from medieval Greek timbanon, from Greek tumpanon 'drum'