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

Gopalan and her collaborators found links between hormone modulation and HSPs, implicating the importance of HSPs in understanding breast cancer. —Rohan Rajeev, STAT, 26 July 2024

The low-end torque of the Lexus V-8 engines requires more progressive modulation of the throttle than expected, and only a few students in our group ever manage to come anywhere near a full donut before losing control of the car. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2024

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

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