modem

¹mo·dem

noun \ˈmō-dəm also -ˌdem\

Definition of MODEM

: a device that converts signals produced by one type of device (as a computer) to a form compatible with another (as a telephone)

Origin of MODEM

modulator + demodulator

First Known Use: circa 1952

Other Telecommunications Terms

Ethernet, intercept

Rhymes with MODEM

ad rem, ahem, AM, Arnhem, Belém, bluestem, brain stem, condemn, contemn, FM, GM, idem, in rem, item, main stem, mayhem, Menem, millieme, poem, problem, pro tem, proem, Shechem

²modem

transitive verb

Definition of MODEM

: to send (as data) via a modem

First Known Use of MODEM

1984

Other Telecommunications Terms

Ethernet, intercept

modem

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Electronic device that converts digital data into analog (modulated-wave) signals suitable for transmission over analog telecommunications circuits (e.g., traditional phone lines) and demodulates received analog signals to recover the digital data transmitted. The “modulator/demodulator” thus makes it possible for existing communications channels to support a variety of digital communications, including e-mail, Internet access, and fax transmissions. An ordinary modem, operating over traditional phone lines, has a data transmission speed limit of about 56 kilobits per second. ISDN lines allow communications at over twice that rate, and cable modems and DSL lines have transmission rates of over a million bits per second.