sone

noun

: a subjective unit of loudness for an average listener equal to the loudness of a 1000-hertz sound that has an intensity 40 decibels above the listener's own threshold of hearing

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sone was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near sone

Cite this Entry

“Sone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sone. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

sone

noun
: a subjective unit of loudness for an average listener equal to the loudness of a 1000-hertz sound that has an intensity 40 decibels above the listener's own threshold of hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on sone

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!