decibel

[ des-uh-bel, -buhl ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a unit used to express the intensity of a sound wave, equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the ratio of the pressure produced by the sound wave to a reference pressure, usually 0.0002 microbar.
2. a unit of power ratio, the number of units being equal to a constant times the logarithm to the base 10 of the intensities of two sources.
3. a unit used to compare two voltages or currents, equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the ratio of the voltages or currents measured across equal resistances. : dB, db

decibel

/ ˈdɛsɪˌbɛl /

noun

1. a unit for comparing two currents, voltages, or power levels, equal to one tenth of a bel
2. a similar unit for measuring the intensity of a sound. It is equal to ten times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to be measured to the intensity of some reference sound, usually the lowest audible note of the same frequency

decibel

/ dĕs′ə-bəl /

1. A unit used to measure the power of a signal, such as an electrical signal or sound, relative to some reference level. An increase of ten decibels in the power of a signal is equivalent to increasing its power by a factor of ten. As a measure of sound intensity, a zero-decibel reference is stipulated to be the lowest level audible to the human ear; the speaking voice of most people ranges from 45 to 75 decibels.

decibel

1. A unit of measurement of the volume of sounds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decibel¹

First recorded in 1925–30; deci- + bel ¹

Example Sentences

The ANC does offer increased isolation and a more immersive experience than the Evo, but I couldn’t otherwise detect a huge sonic distinction, despite the slight difference in decibel output.

From Popular-Science

Understand the differences between fuel options and don’t overlook the decibel rating.

From Popular-Science

Some cities, including Greenwich, Connecticut, and Palm Beach, Florida, regulate the decibel volume and times of use of leaf blowers.

From Popular-Science

The frame is made with powder-coated steel tubing that resists scratching and staining, and while you’re adjusting it, the motor keeps the noise level relatively unobtrusive, at under 50 decibels.

From Popular-Science

Noise, or sound power, is measured in decibels and is an effective way of gauging the noise introduced by home appliances in relation to other common residential sounds.

From Popular-Science

The decibel levels fell a fraction, but we were still in the heart of a crowd that believed in Brazil.

From The Daily Beast

Some men raise their voices when the argument heats up, and if women try to match their decibel level, they risk sounding shrill.

From The Daily Beast

Their mission: to raise the awareness of poverty to the decibel level of other hot-button media issues.

From The Daily Beast

The decibel level of all this at Fox and the usual redoubts will be deafening.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe it was the fact that the candidates were sitting around a table, which clearly lowered the decibel level.

From The Daily Beast