# Bel

/ˈbɛɫ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bel
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. unit of power

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a unit used to measure the ratio of two levels of power, most often used in sound or electronics.

For teachers: a logarithmic unit of relative power, defined as the base-10 logarithm of the ratio of two power quantities. It is the root unit for the more common decibel.

- The scientist explained that one bel represents a tenfold increase in power.
- In acoustic engineering, the bel is rarely used as a standalone unit, with the decibel serving as the standard for practical measurements.

Usage: The unit is named after Alexander Graham Bell and is usually capitalized in its symbol (B).

### 2. ancient deity

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic

a title or name for a powerful god in ancient Babylon.

For teachers: a title meaning 'Lord' applied to various deities in the Mesopotamian pantheon, most notably Marduk of Babylon.

- Ancient texts describe the rituals performed to honor the god Bel.
- The identification of Bel with Marduk reflects the religious synthesis that occurred during the rise of the Babylonian Empire.

Usage: Always capitalized as a proper noun.

## Examples

- Zeus is the king of the Greek bels.
- The museum exhibit displayed statues of various bels from the Roman pantheon.
- Literary scholars often analyse how the bels in Homer's epics reflect human virtues and flaws rather than divine perfection.

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