Definition: A decibel, or its abbreviation dB is a measurement of loudness that ranges from the threshold of hearing, 0dB to the threshold of pain, about 140dB. The term decibel is actually two words: deci, meaning one-tenth, and bel, named after Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, which is why the 'B' is always written in upper case as in dB. So, a decibel is actually one-tenth of a unit of sound measurement known as a bel.
Pronunciation: desi•bell
Also Known As: Abbreviated as dB
Common Misspellings: decabel
Examples: The volume of normal conversation is about 60dB and the roar of a jet engine is at least 120dB.
