See Also: modulate(medicine)
modulate(dictionary)
modulate(dictionary)

modulate (iou)



modulate verb. M16.
[Latin modulat- pa. ppl stem of modulari measure, adjust to rhythm, make melody, from MODULUS: see -ATE3.]
verb trans. Intone (a song etc.). rare. M16.
verb trans. Regulate, adjust, temper, vary conformably to; soften, tone down; esp. attune (the voice, sounds, etc.) to a certain pitch or key, vary or inflect in tone; give tune or melody to. E17.
Gibbon The songs of triumph were modulated to psalms and litanies. A. Radcliffe She determined to modulate that nature to her own views. G. Greene She spoke gently..for it was difficult to modulate her husky voice.
verb trans. & intrans. Music. (Cause to) change from one key to another. (Foll. by from, to.) E18.
verb trans.
a. Vary the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristic of (an electromagnetic wave or other oscillation, a beam of particles, etc.) in accordance with the variations of a second signal, usu. of lower frequency; vary (a property of a signal) in this way. Also, apply a signal to (a device) so as to vary its output signal; impress (a signal) on (to) a carrier wave by modulation. E20.
J. H. Reyner The radio transmission of sound..is usually accomplished by modulating a high-frequency carrier-wave. Music This is recorded first...The video information is then modulated on top.
b. gen. Exert a modifying or controlling influence on (a physical property, phenomenon, etc.). M20.
Scientific American The steam flow is modulated by a control valve. Nature Speculations on how thunderstorm electrification might modulate rainfall.
verb intrans. Biology. Of a cell: undergo modulation into. M20.
verb intrans. Converse on citizens' band radio. US slang. L20.
modulative adjective (rare) serving to modulate something M19.
modulatory adjective pertaining to or serving for modulation L19.