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signal level

signal level

4.2
The strength of an electrical connection for sound or data
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : nivel de señal
  • The signal level changed in 4-dB steps for the first three turnarounds and in 2-dB steps thereafter.
  • input signal level
  • signal level of 80 dB
  • test signal level

Examples

  • The engineer adjusted the signal level to enhance the clarity of the transmitted voice over the line.

  • The signal level increased for each incorrect response.

    Academic text (1992)
  • We compared the signal level in control and KEAP1-knockdown cells.

    Academic text (2016)
  • That is, there was a systematic decrease in signal level across trials.

    Academic text (1992)
  • This threshold is close to the upper signal level of 80 dB SPL.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Instrumentation amplifiers built into the sensor boost the signal level of the Wheatstone bridge output before A/D conversion.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The bulk of the measured values for the 70 dB SPL input signal show that the procedure is capable of measuring distortion at the level of 0.1 percent when the signal level is carefully adjusted.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The technician measured the signal level to ensure optimal performance of the audio system.

  • In order to improve the network, we need to increase the signal level received from the satellite.

Synonyms

level
vssignal level
1.1

A particular stage in a system or idea

is specific to electrical strength measurement rather than a general stage or rank
intensity level
vssignal level
  • Specialized
1 5.6

The measured strength of sound, light, or other waves shown in decibels

is about the strength of an electrical quantity specifically, not general radiated energy
amplitude level
vssignal level
  • Specialized
5.7

How strong a sound or signal is

is the standard technical term used in telecom and audio engineering

How Strong

overload
  • Specialized
14 4.8
electronic signal
  • Specialized
2 3.7
signal level
  • Specialized
4.2
faintness
1 5.5

Surface Forms

signal level singular
signal levels plural

Morphology

signal + level

The meaning is directly compositional: 'level' denotes an amount or measured magnitude and 'signal' specifies what is being measured, so 'signal level' straightforwardly means the strength/amount of a signal. This noun–noun combination follows common cross-linguistic measurement patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning even if the term is used in technical contexts.

Etymology

Signal level comes from the simple image of a message and its height: a signal held at a higher level is easier to see or hear, so a higher level means a 'stronger' message. That's why 'signal level' today means how strong or loud an electrical or sound signal is.