frequency modulation

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noun Electronics, Radio.

FM.

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Origin of frequency modulation

First recorded in 1920–25

Words nearby frequency modulation

frequency, frequency band, frequency curve, frequency distribution, frequency-division multiplex, frequency modulation, frequency polygon, frequency response, frequent, frequentation, frequentative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use frequency modulation in a sentence

In his “Bird Concerto,” sampled birdsong mingles with music that mimics the sonic signatures of our feathered friends, but also the “quasi-electronic frequency modulation” of their cries.
Beyond Vivaldi, a classical playlist to bring on the spring|Michael Andor Brodeur|April 2, 2021|Washington Post
That frequency is within the range used by amateur radio operators, so anyone can listen in.
Luxembourg and China Team Up on Private Mission to the Moon|Matthew R. Francis|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One of the biggest concerns in Europe is the frequency of air traffic with West Africa.
Europe’s Hidden Ebola Cases|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The agent in the security room repeats this message to those at the debate site, listening on the “Mike” radio frequency.
Behind the Scenes With a ‘Site Agent’: The Secret Service’s Hardest Job|Marc Ambinder|October 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Despairing about the length and frequency of the many fashion weeks has become a tired refrain.
The Drama of Being a Model: Spike Jonze and Jonah Hill Land in Fashion Week|Allison McNearney|September 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The bigger the black hole, the lower the frequency, much as it is with musical instruments.
The Goldilocks of Black Holes|Matthew R. Francis|August 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In short, there is but one fault I find with the country, and it is a great one, I mean the frequency of earthquakes.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick
The secrecy of these meetings make them more enjoyable, and their length and frequency are unconsciously increased.
The value of a praying mother|Isabel C. Byrum
The frequency with which it is seen near cliffs suggests that it finds concealment under rocks.
A Synopsis of the American Bats of the Genus Pipistrellus|Walter W. Dalquest
Certainty of meaning precedes frequency of use; and this necessary confidence 238 is gained from a study of the dictionary.
English: Composition and Literature|W. F. (William Franklin) Webster
Earthquakes increased in frequency until Rick and Scotty felt as though the ground never ceased shuddering.
The Flaming Mountain|Harold Leland Goodwin

British Dictionary definitions for frequency modulation

frequency modulation

noun

a method of transmitting information using a radio-frequency carrier wave. The frequency of the carrier wave is varied in accordance with the amplitude and polarity of the input signal, the amplitude of the carrier remaining unchangedAbbreviation: FM Compare amplitude modulation

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for frequency modulation

frequency modulation

A method of transmitting signals, especially in radio broadcasting, in which the value of the signal is given by the frequency of a high frequency carrier wave. In FM radio transmission, for example, the signal to be carried is a sound wave, and its increasing and decreasing value is reflected in the increasing and decreasing frequency of a radio frequency carrier wave. Compare amplitude modulation.

Cultural definitions for frequency modulation

frequency modulation

A type of radio signal in which the frequency of the radio wave is varied to carry information from the transmitter to the receiver. (Compare amplitude modulation (AM).)