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Decibel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decibel

[ˈdɛs.ɪ.bɛl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sound measurement

A decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to measure the intensity of sound. It quantifies sound levels relative to a reference level, typically the threshold of hearing for the average human ear. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in intensity. This makes decibels useful for expressing a wide range of sound levels, from the faintest whispers to the loudest sounds in nature. The unit is also used in various fields including electronics, acoustics, and telecommunications to assess signal levels.

Synonyms

acoustic intensity, dB, sound level.

Examples of usage

  • The sound of a whisper is approximately 30 decibels.
  • A normal conversation typically measures around 60 decibels.
  • Heavy traffic can reach sound levels of 85 decibels.
  • Rock concerts can exceed 100 decibels, which can damage hearing.
  • The decibel level of a jet engine can be as high as 130 decibels.

Translations

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Origin of 'decibel'

The term 'decibel' is derived from the name of the American inventor Alexander Graham Bell, who made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. The prefix 'deci-' means one-tenth, indicating that a decibel is one-tenth of a bel, a unit named after Bell. The bel was introduced in the early 20th century to quantify sound intensity levels in a way that reflected human hearing perception. The decibel scale was later adopted widely across different disciplines, including audio engineering and environmental science, making it a standard unit for measuring sound pressure levels. Over the decades, the concept of decibels has evolved to encompass various applications, including telecommunications, where it measures signal strength and loss. The integration of the decibel system has facilitated advancements in audio technology, public health regulations regarding noise pollution, and the overall understanding of sound's impact on the human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,451, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.