modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən 

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

Adjusting to the throttle modulation, the dual handlebar brake levers, and the TS's overall geometry took up less of my mental effort than expected. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 9 July 2024

Scaffolds, gallows, stocks, pillories, whips, and birch rods are or could be modulations. —John Ganz, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024

Peña knows exactly how to pace Suh’s rhythmic dialogue with careful modulations of volume and emotion. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2024

Next-generation stability and traction-control systems, aided by the precise torque delivery of electric motors, allow for advanced modulation of power and braking that would have been impossible on those '90s icons. —Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modulation

• amplitude modulation
• frequency modulation
• phase modulation

Kids Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an action of modulating

2

: the extent or degree by which something is modulated

3

: a change from one musical key to another by using a chord that is found in both keys

4

: the process of modulating a carrier wave or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Medical Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of modulating

2

: a reversible change in histological structure due to physiological factors