top notes

Noun

top note (plural top notes)

1. (perfumery) The most volatile parts of a perfume which are immediately perceived upon its application.
   • 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.2010, Luca Turin, Tania Sanchez, “Chamade”, in Perfumes: The A–Z Guide, Profile Books, →ISBN, page 115

   Synonyms:

   head note

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