decibel

/ˈdɛsəˌbɛl/
noun
  1. A unit used to measure the intensity of sound, often abbreviated as dB.
    • A whisper is about 20 decibels, while normal conversation is around 60 decibels.
    • The concert was so loud that the sound reached 120 decibels.
    • The city passed a law limiting noise from construction to 85 decibels during the day.
  2. A unit used to express the ratio of two values, such as power or signal strength, in electronics and telecommunications.
    • An amplifier can increase the audio signal by 20 decibels.
    • The technician measured the signal loss at 3 decibels along the cable.
    • The internet router's signal strength dropped by 5 decibels when moved to the basement.
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