REVERBERATION Meaning and
Definition
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Reverberation, in an acoustical context, refers to the persistence of sound after its original source has ceased. It is a phenomenon that occurs when sound waves reflect off surfaces and create multiple reflections in an environment, prolonging the duration and altering the character of the sound. These reflections can occur from walls, floors, ceilings, or any other objects within the space, causing the sound to rebound and reverberate.
The effect of reverberation can be perceived in various ways. For instance, in an enclosed room, it can manifest as a prolonged decay of sound, where the initial sound gradually fades away due to the repeated reflections. Reverberation impacts the overall quality of a sound, adding depth and richness to its tone, making it an essential element in architectural design and sound engineering.
Reverberation time, typically measured in seconds, is often used to quantify the degree of reverberation in a given space. It represents the duration it takes for the sound energy in a room to attenuate by 60 decibels after the sound source has stopped. Different spaces can have varying reverberation times depending on their size, shape, and material surfaces.
Understanding and controlling reverberation is crucial in fields such as theater, music, and audio recording to create an optimal acoustic environment. Techniques like sound absorption, diffusion, and architectural design adjustments are employed to manage and manipulate the reverberation characteristics of a space to enhance the desired sound quality and minimize unwanted reflections.
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The act of reflecting light and heat, or of repelling sound.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for REVERBERATION
Etymology of REVERBERATION
The word "reverberation" is derived from the Latin word "reverberatio", which comes from the verb "reverberare". The Latin term is composed of two parts: "re-" meaning "again" or "back", and "verberare" meaning "to beat" or "to strike". Hence, "reverberare" means "to strike back" or "to repel". Over time, the word "reverberation" evolved into its current form to refer to the sound that rebounds back or echoes after hitting a surface.
Similar spelling words for REVERBERATION
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