transmit

verb

trans·​mit tran(t)s-ˈmit 

tranz-

transmitted; transmitting

transitive verb

1

a

: to send or convey from one person or place to another : forward

b

: to cause or allow to spread: such as

(1)

: to convey by or as if by inheritance or heredity : hand down

(2)

: to convey (infection) abroad or to another

2

a(1)

: to cause (something, such as light or force) to pass or be conveyed through space or a medium

(2)

: to admit the passage of : conduct

glass transmits light

b

: to send out (a signal) either by radio waves or over a wire

intransitive verb

: to send out a signal either by radio waves or over a wire

transmittable

tran(t)s-ˈmi-tə-bəl 

tranz-

adjective

transmittal

tran(t)s-ˈmi-tᵊl 

tranz-

noun

Synonyms

• communicate
• conduct
• convey
• give
• impart
• spread
• transfer
• transfuse

Examples of transmit in a Sentence

The technology allows data to be transmitted by cellular phones.

transmitting and receiving radio signals

The radio transmits on two different frequencies.

the different ways that people transmit their values

The disease is transmitted by sexual contact.

Recent Examples on the Web

This lethal virus does kill infected roses and is transmitted by the eriophyid mite. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024

One of the big questions that will be key to preventing further spread, whether among cows or from cows to people, is understanding how cows themselves transmit the virus. —Sara G. Miller, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024

Speaking Italian for most of his performance, O’Connor transmits an enigmatic, sorrowful melancholy. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024

Now, the upper chamber is compelled by Senate rules to convene as a court of impeachment shortly after the articles are transmitted from the House. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2024

Although the two types of mosquitoes that transmit dengue are found in some counties, the virus is not endemic in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 27 Mar. 2024

Hand-washing is also important to prevent transmitting any droplets through touching hands or the face. —Keri Brenner, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024

Multiple Telegram channels in Tajik, Uzbek and Russian transmit Islamic State propaganda and glorify Tajik militants who have taken part in attacks in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. —Souad Mekhennet, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024

How Native Americans transmitted the traumas of starvation, displacement and genocide across generations? —Carina Del Valle Schorske, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English transmitten, from Latin transmittere, from trans- + mittere to send

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

transmit

verb

trans·​mit tran(t)s-ˈmit  tranz- 

transmitted; transmitting

1

a

: to transfer from one person or place to another

b

: to pass on by or as if by inheritance

c

: to cause or allow to spread abroad or to another

transmit a disease

2

a

: to pass or cause to pass through space or a material : allow the passage of

b

: to send a signal by radio waves or over a wire

transmittable

-ˈmit-ə-bəl 

adjective

transmittal

-ˈmit-ᵊl 

noun

Etymology

Middle English transmitten "to send to another person or place," from Latin transmittere (same meaning), from trans- "across, to the other side" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to emit

Medical Definition

transmit

transitive verb

trans·​mit tran(t)s-ˈmit  tranz- 

transmitted; transmitting

: to pass, transfer, or convey from one person or place to another: as

a

: to pass or convey by heredity

transmit a genetic abnormality

b

: to convey (infection) abroad or to another

mosquitoes transmit malaria

c

: to cause (energy) to be conveyed through space or a medium

substances that transmit nerve impulses

Legal Definition

transmit

transitive verb

trans·​mit tranz-ˈmit, trans- 

transmitted; transmitting

1

: to send or convey from one person or place to another

2

: to transfer especially by inheritance

transmittable

-ˈmi-tə-bəl 

adjective

transmittal

-ˈmit-ᵊl 

noun