heterodyne

1 of 2

adjective

het·​ero·​dyne ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌdīn How to pronounce heterodyne (audio)
ˈhe-trə-
: of or relating to the production of an electrical beat between two radio frequencies of which one usually is that of a received signal-carrying current and the other that of an uninterrupted current introduced into the apparatus
also : of or relating to the production of a beat between two optical frequencies

heterodyne

2 of 2

verb

heterodyned; heterodyning

transitive verb

: to combine (something, such as a radio frequency) with a different frequency so that a beat is produced

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

heter- + -dyne, modification of Greek dynamis power — more at dynamic

First Known Use

Adjective

1908, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterodyne was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near heterodyne

Cite this Entry

“Heterodyne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterodyne. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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