modulate

verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt How to pronounce modulate (audio)
modulated; modulating

transitive verb

1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper
3
: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)
also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam

intransitive verb

1
: to play or sing with modulation
2
: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys
3
: to pass gradually from one state to another
modulator noun
modulatory adjective

Examples of modulate in a Sentence

Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad. The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.
Recent Examples on the Web As well as promoting the secretion of white blood cells, serotonin receptors help modulate the peripheral immune system, which works alongside the central immune system and is responsible for all immune responses that take place outside of the brain. Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 In addition, each line of a comb can be isolated and have properties such as its amplitude modulated to carry data over fiber optics. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 Aerobic exercise can also modulate connections between and within the amygdala and help reduce feelings of depression. Seena Mathew, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023 Over time, the brain gets used to estrogen and testosterone and supporting cast of other hormones; and kids learn to modulate their reactions, too. Vanessa Kroll Bennett, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Incidentally, these are the same molecules, genes, and neuronal pathways modulated when a sea slug learns to avoid being shocked by a researcher—i.e., not free will. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Nov. 2023 But in the unfolding of history, though genius can sometimes glimpse over the horizon, technology has modulated what can be imagined. Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 Scientific evidence suggests that Kratom may modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, contributing to its mood-elevating effects. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024 Ramirez deftly modulates his performance as a charismatic guy who always seems to be laying it on ever so slightly too thick — his favorite conversational trick is suggesting a comparison between himself and Jesus, and then humbly demurring when someone states it outright. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari to play, sing, from modulus small measure, rhythm, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modulate was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near modulate

Cite this Entry

“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modulate

verb
mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce modulate (audio)
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion
especially : to tone down : soften
modulated his voice
3
: to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)
modulator noun
modulatory
-lə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce modulate (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

Medical Definition

modulate

transitive verb
mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce modulate (audio)
modulated; modulating
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion
modulate an immune response
modulate cell activity
modulatory adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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