automatic frequency control

noun

: a function of an electronic circuit that allows a radio transmitter or receiver to stay adjusted to a specific frequency (such as one used by a radio station) without manual control

A five-inch dynamic speaker, backed by 700 megawatts of audio output power puts out a quality sound and automatic frequency control prevents FM signals from drifting.

—Dale Baldwin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 1985

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

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