In music, what does "tone color" refer to?

The term "tone color" in music refers to timbre, which describes the unique quality or character of a sound that allows us to distinguish different musical instruments or voices even when they play the same pitch at the same volume. Timbre is influenced by the materials used to create the sound, the method of production, and the harmonic content of the sound. For example, a piano and a violin can play the same note, but they sound distinctively different due to their unique tonal qualities. Understanding timbre is essential in music, as it allows composers and musicians to convey emotions and textures within a piece.