signal-to-noise ratio

signal-to-noise ratio [from analog electronics] n.  Used by
   hackers in a generalization of its technical meaning.  `Signal'
   refers to useful information conveyed by some communications
   medium, and `noise' to anything else on that medium.  Hence a low
   ratio implies that it is not worth paying attention to the medium
   in question.  Figures for such metaphorical ratios are never given.
   The term is most often applied to {Usenet} newsgroups during
   {flame war}s.  Compare {bandwidth}.  See also {coefficient
   of X}, {lost in the noise}.