transmission

play

noun trans·mis·sion \tran(t)s-ˈmi-shən, tranz-\

Simple Definition of transmission

: the act or process of sending electrical signals to a radio, television, computer, etc.
: something (such as a message or broadcast) that is transmitted to a radio, television, etc.
: the act or process by which something is spread or passed from one person or thing to another

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of transmission

1 : an act, process, or instance of transmitting <transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse>
2 : the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations; also : the act or process of transmitting by radio or television
3 : an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle; also : the speed-changing gears in such an assembly
4 : something that is transmitted : message

transmissive

play \-ˈmi-siv\ adjective

transmissivity

play \ˌtran(t)s-(ˌ)mi-ˈsi-və-tē, ˌtranz-\ noun

See transmission defined for English-language learners

See transmission defined for kids

Examples of transmission in a sentence

The equipment is used for the transmission of television signals.
We are receiving a live transmission from the scene of the accident.
the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next
My car has a manual transmission.
This car comes with automatic transmission.

Did You Know?

Since trans- means "across", it's not hard to see the meaning of transmission. Disease transmission occurs when an infection passes from one living thing to another. TV signal transmission can be interrupted by tree leaves, including moving leaves and branches during a storm. Your car's transmission transmits the engine's power to the axle, changing the gears to keep the engine working with maximum efficiency at various speeds.

Origin and Etymology of transmission

Middle French, from Latin transmission-, transmissio, from transmittere to transmit

First Known Use: 1611

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral

TRANSMISSION Defined for Kids

transmission

play

noun trans·mis·sion \trans-ˈmi-shən\

Definition of transmission for Students

1 : an act or process of transmitting, spreading, or passing along <the transmission of a disease>
2 : the gears that pass power from the engine to the axle that gives motion to a motor vehicle