intermediate frequency

noun

Radio.

1. the middle frequency in a superheterodyne receiver, at which most of the amplification takes place. if

intermediate frequency

noun

1. electronics the frequency to which the signal carrier frequency is changed in a superheterodyne receiver and at which most of the amplification takes place

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermediate frequency¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

We provide a local oscillator of 270,000 cycles a second, receive by this “super-heterodyne” method which I have just described, and so obtain an intermediate frequency.

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Related Words

• high frequency