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

By way of example, a player could use hand gestures in the space above a Roli instrument to dial in modulation and/or effects. —New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024

The clutch pedal’s weight and friction zone serve as a highlight, requiring the perfect amount of modulation and providing a level of communication that makes accelerating through the surprisingly short first and second gears an absolute joy. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024

But this one moves unexpectedly yet assuredly from major to minor in flowing modulations that convey the unsure terrain faced by women of color who wanted to serve their country in World War II. —Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024

Love songs about the little things — with a little modulation, to boot! —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 Oct. 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