top note

English

Noun

top note (plural top notes)

1. (perfumery) The most volatile parts of a perfume which are immediately perceived upon its application.

   Synonym: head note

   Coordinate terms: middle note, base note

   • 2010, Luca Turin, Tania Sanchez, “Chamade”, in Perfumes: The A–Z Guide, Profile Books, →ISBN, page 115:

     In those days I didn't buy perfumes, and initially thought Chamade was two fragrances: I would smell the drydown on passers-by and find it wonderful, but it took me months to connect it to the nondescript floral green top note.

2. (music) The highest note that can be produced by a certain instrument or singer.
3. (by extension) The best that a person can do; one's finest achievement.
   • 1913, Arthur Conan Doyle, “Submerged”, in The Poison Belt […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC, page 98:

     "If you all want to see it through I am with you. It's dooced interestin', and no mistake about that. I've had my share of adventures in my life, and as many thrills as most folk, but I'm endin' on my top note."

Translations

The most volatile parts of a perfume which are immediately perceived upon its application.

• Arabic: please add this translation if you can
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• Finnish: latvatuoksu, alkutuoksu
• French: tête (fr) f, note de tête (fr) f
• German: Kopfnote (de) f, Spitze (de) f, Angeruch m, Tete (de) f
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• Manx: ard-note m
• Polish: nuta głowy (pl) f
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• Swedish: toppnot c
• Turkish: please add this translation if you can