modulate
[ moj-uh-leyt ]
/ ˈmɒdʒ əˌleɪt /
verb (used with object), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.
to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
to alter or adapt (the voice) according to the circumstances, one's listener, etc.
Music.
- to attune to a certain pitch or key.
- to vary the volume of (tone).
Telecommunications.
to cause the amplitude, frequency, phase, or intensity of (a carrier wave) to vary in accordance with a sound wave or other signal, the frequency of the signal wave usually being very much lower than that of the carrier.
verb (used without object), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.
Telecommunications.
- to modulate a carrier wave.
- Citizens Band Radio Slang. to talk; visit: Enjoyed modulating with you.
Music.
to pass from one key to another: to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.
Origin of modulate
OTHER WORDS FROM modulate
Words nearby modulate
mods,
modular,
modular arithmetic,
modularity,
modularize,
modulate,
modulation,
modulator,
module,
modulo,
modulus
Example sentences from the Web for modulate
British Dictionary definitions for modulate
modulate
/ (ˈmɒdjʊˌleɪt) /
verb
(tr)
to change the tone, pitch, or volume of
(tr)
to adjust or regulate the degree of
music
- to subject to or undergo modulation in music
- (often foll by to) to make or become in tune (with a pitch, key, etc)
(tr) physics electronics
to cause to vary by a process of modulation
Derived forms of modulate
modulability (ˌmɒdjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ), noun modulative or modulatory, adjective modulator, nounWord Origin for modulate
C16: from Latin
modulātus in due measure, melodious, from
modulārī to regulate, from
modus measure
Scientific definitions for modulate
modulate
[ mŏj′ə-lāt′ ]
To vary the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristic of a signal or power source. See also amplitude modulation frequency modulation.