ruido

Ruido is the Spanish word for noise or disturbance. In everyday usage it denotes sounds that are unwanted or disruptive. In scientific and technical contexts it describes random fluctuations that interfere with signals or measurements, making it harder to extract information from data. The term is common across disciplines, with nuances depending on the field.

In acoustics and environmental science, ruido encompasses background sound in the environment, including traffic, machinery, crowd noise, and natural sounds. When levels are high or persistent, it is referred to as noise pollution, a concern for health and well-being, sleep quality, and urban planning. Standards and regulations vary by country and are designed to limit exposure and mitigate impact.

In electronics and signal processing, ruido covers several categories of random fluctuations such as thermal noise, shot noise, flicker (1/f) noise, and quantization noise. These disturbances degrade the clarity of signals and images. Engineers address them through design choices, shielding and grounding, filtering, averaging, and error-correcting methods, all aimed at increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and preserving data integrity.

In data analysis and imaging, ruido appears as random variation that obscures underlying patterns. Denoising techniques, statistical modeling, and machine learning are used to separate signal from noise. Culturally, ruido can also refer to the broader notion of noise in music and everyday soundscapes.