bel
Bel (noun) means a unit for measuring the ratio between two power levels, calculated as the base-10 logarithm of one divided by the other. Example: “Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole bels, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.”
How to Use Bel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA unit used to compare how much stronger one signal or sound is than another, on a logarithmic scale.
In everyday use you will almost always see "decibel" (one tenth of a bel), not "bel" on its own.
Word Forms
bels plural, Bels plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole _____, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.
Etymology
Named after Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor associated with the telephone.
Synonyms
View more →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “bel” mean?
The word “bel” means a unit for measuring the ratio between two power levels, calculated as the base-10 logarithm of one divided by the other. In plain terms, a unit used to compare how much stronger one signal or sound is than another, on a logarithmic scale.
How do you pronounce “bel”?
“Bel” is pronounced behl (/bɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bel” in a sentence?
Here is “bel” used in a sentence: “Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole bels, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.”
What part of speech is “bel”?
“Bel” is a noun.
Is “bel” a common word?
“Bel” is an uncommon word in modern English.