decibel

decibel Definition

deci·bel (des′ə bəl, -bel′)

noun

Acoustics a numerical expression of the relative loudness of a sound: the difference in decibels between two sounds is ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of their power levels
Electronics, Radio a numerical expression of the relative differences in power levels of electrical signals equal to ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the two signal powers Sometimes an absolute reference is used in the power ratio (10 watt per sq cm in acoustics, one milliwatt in electronics and radio)

Etymology: deci- + bel

decibel (dB) Telecom Definition

See dB.

decibel Usage Examples

Converse of object

exceed: Under Government guidelines, noise produced at such events is not allowed to exceed 55 decibels.
reach: Just 10cm in front of them levels can reach 120 decibels which is the equivalent of holding a smoke alarm to your ear!
call: The people who followed the Lord were called the twelve decibels.
produce: They produce 45 decibels of sound, i.e. no louder than the hum of an air-conditioner.
use: OK, so now you know how to use decibels, but perhaps you don't see the point of doing so.

Adjective modifier

high: Every few seconds, someone would randomly press one of the buttons, and stand back to admire the high decibel auditory effect.
more: It managed to bounce out even more decibels than the visiting youth brass band, which followed soon afterward.
many: Even light sticking spurs this cymbal to swell with a deep bass rumble and many, many decibels.
several: I was thrilled to discover that I could hear several decibels more than average for my age group.
a-weighted: The sound pressure is measured in A-weighted decibels ( dBA ).

Modifies a noun

legacy: Frequently Asked Questions about deciBel Visual Arts Awards What is deciBel legacy?
scale: The decibel scale used for sound is another common example of a log scale.
rating: They are also full on professional systems with an exceptional decibel reduction rating.
level: A generous libation of local ale probably ups my decibel level, which is no doubt why the Rt.
limit: Decibel limits on Category 3 fireworks are also being proposed.
award: Top of page News Please check back soon for updates on the development of the 2006 deciBel Awards.

Noun used with modifier

Preposition: in

ear: Your hearing will be tested - hearing loss must be at least 50 decibels in each ear because of damage to your inner ear.

Preposition: of

sound: Cheung is subjecting his victims to three-hour sessions of 140 decibels of sound - the level of noise of a jet engine at takeoff.
noise: Ironically, each of the six alarms causes 130 decibels of noise - the equivalent of a jumbo jet taking off.

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