sound (1)

(sownd)

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[Middle English soun, ult. fr. L. sonus, sound]

1. Auditory sensations produced by vibrations; noise. It is measured in decibels (dB), which is the logarithm of the intensity of sound; thus 20 dB represents not twice 10 dB but 10 times as much. Repeated exposure to excessively loud noises, esp. in certain frequencies, will cause permanent injury to the hearing.
SEE: decibel; SEE: noise
2. A form of vibrational energy that gives rise to auditory sensations.
SEE: cochlea; SEE: ear; SEE: organ of Corti
3. Heart sounds.
SEE: diastole; SEE: systole

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