decibel
UK: ˈdɛsɪbɛl | US: ˈdɛsɪbɛl
n. a unit used to measure the intensity of sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.
The word "decibel" combines "deci-" (from Latin decimus, meaning "tenth") and "bel" (named after Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone). The "bel" unit measures sound intensity logarithmically, while "deci-" scales it to one-tenth for practical use. This reflects the word's scientific precision—honoring Bell's contributions while adapting the unit for everyday measurements.
Normal conversation typically measures around 60 decibels.
The concert reached 110 decibels, requiring ear protection.
A whisper is about 30 decibels.
Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage.
The decibel scale is logarithmic, not linear.