modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce modulation (audio)
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 Anandamide plays a number of roles throughout the body, including sensory and pain modulation, and increased levels are expected to desensitize overactive sensory neurons in the upper airways of chronic cough patients, limiting the urge to cough. Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024 Although the probe can receive and carry out engineers’ commands, the FDS is currently unable to use its telemetry modulation unit (TMU) subsystem. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Dec. 2023 Here are some ways in which mushroom supplements can help: Immune system modulation Certain mushroom species, such as Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa), contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that can enhance immune system function. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023 Changes in the carrier signal's modulation indicate Voyager 1 is receiving commands uplinked from Earth. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024 The digital signal from the computer underwent conversion into an analog signal using pulse-width modulation to precisely control the oxidation and reduction of the liquid metal. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2024 And there was another reason for those modulations, too. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 29 Dec. 2023 Originally architected in 2009, the modulation technology is based on a wideband, chirped-pulse standard (chirp spread spectrum) that excels at transmitting small data packets—up to a theoretical maximum of 256 bytes, though that varies by region and application—at long range using little power. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2024 This modulation of glutamate levels can influence memory formation, attention span, and overall cognitive performance. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modulation was in 1501

Dictionary Entries Near modulation

Cite this Entry

“Modulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modulation

noun
mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce modulation (audio)
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 How to pronounce modulation (audio)
1
: the act or process of modulating
2
: a reversible change in histological structure due to physiological factors
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