loss
1. The diminution, usually expressed in dB, of signal level in a communications medium.
2. The power, usually expressed in watts, consumed or dissipated by a circuit or component without accomplishing useful work or purpose; e.g., heating (hysteresis loss) that occurs in the core of a transformer.
3. In computer security, a quantitative measure of harm or deprivation resulting from a compromise. [2382-pt.8]