modulation

mod·u·la·tion | \ ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən

How to pronounce modulation (audio)

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Definition of modulation

1 : an inflection of the tone or pitch of the voice specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning

2 : a regulating according to measure or proportion : tempering

3 : a change from one musical key to another by modulating

4 : the process of modulating a carrier or signal (as in radio) also : the result of this process

Examples of modulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Every sound on that tape is re-created in real time: each nuance, pause, breath, modulation, break, cough and cry. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Disturbing ‘Dana H.' at the Goodman is a chaplain’s story of abduction, told through her dubbed voice," 18 Sep. 2019 As the worms age, modulation of daf-2 and daf-16 then influences their health and longevity. — Quanta Magazine, "Longevity Linked to Proteins That Calm Overexcited Neurons," 26 Nov. 2019 Differential effects could be assigned to pre- or probiotic modulation of the gut microbial metabolism, some features being exacerbated upon symbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) administration. — Enea Rezzonico, Scientific American, "Nestlé's research on nutrition and the human gut microbiome," 17 Feb. 2015 Through modulations in brushwork, the audience observes the artist in the act of painting. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: A Getty show rummages around in Edouard Manet’s private shadows," 22 Oct. 2019 Not everyone is happy with this modulation in the unacceptable. — The Economist, "The polarisation of politics has led to a new lexicon of insults," 3 Oct. 2019 Ryan Quinn’s portrayal of John Proctor, the would-be voice of reason in a world gone mad, needs more modulation and variety to fully engage the audience in Proctor’s ethical struggles and compromises. — BostonGlobe.com, "CAMBRIDGE — The question of complicity in a lie — or, say, oh, I don’t know, perhaps more than 12,000 demonstrably false or misleading statements in less than three years, documented by one of the nation’s leading newspapers? — hangs thick in the air over Washington just now.," 20 Sep. 2019 Its self-modulation feature detects water flow and adjusts its power output to meet demand, saving electricity. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "Why Your Next Water Heater Should Be Tankless," 14 Aug. 2019 And for some of those who come to The Voice Lab with the goal of voice modulation, the stakes are high. — Nicole Blackwood, chicagotribune.com, "Trans Chicagoans learn to construct sound from square one, for safety and artistic pursuits," 12 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modulation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about modulation

Dictionary Entries near modulation

modulated continuous waves

modulation index

Statistics for modulation

Last Updated

17 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Modulation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulation. Accessed 21 January 2020.

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