reverberation time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “reverberation time” mean?
The time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the sound source stops in an enclosed space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the sound source stops in an enclosed space.
A key acoustic measurement used in architectural design and audio engineering to quantify how long sound persists in a room, hall, or other enclosure. It is often symbolized as RT60.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences; the term is identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Purely technical with no dialectal connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency and context in technical fields on both sides of the Atlantic.
Grammar
How to Use “reverberation time” in a Sentence
The reverberation time in [LOCATION] is [NUMBER] seconds.[SUBJECT] calculated the reverberation time.A reverberation time of [NUMBER] seconds is ideal for [PURPOSE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in businesses dealing with acoustic consultancy, architectural design, or audio equipment manufacturing.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, architecture, musicology, and theatre studies papers and courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone discussing the acoustics of a specific room.
Technical
The primary domain. Essential terminology in acoustical engineering, architectural acoustics, sound engineering, and auditorium design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reverberation time”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reverberation time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reverberation time”
- Using 'reverberation' alone to mean 'reverberation time'. Confusing it with 'echo'. Spelling 'reverberation' incorrectly (e.g., 'reverbation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard symbol is RT or more specifically RT60, indicating the time for a 60 dB decay.
The foundational formula was developed by Wallace Clement Sabine, often called the father of architectural acoustics.
No, it depends on the music. Orchestral music often benefits from longer times (1.5-2.5s), while speech and amplified music require shorter times (0.5-1.2s) for clarity.
Yes, by adding sound-absorbing materials (to reduce it) or removing them/adding reflective surfaces (to increase it).
The time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the sound source stops in an enclosed space.
Reverberation time is usually technical/formal in register.
Reverberation time: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜː.bərˈeɪ.ʃən taɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɝː.bɚˈeɪ.ʃən taɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bell ringing in a large cathedral. The REVERBERATION is the prolonged sound, and the REVERBERATION TIME is how many seconds it takes for that ringing to become inaudible.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'reverberation time' specifically measure?