modem

[moh-duhm, -dem]

noun

1. an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from a computer via telephone or other communication lines.

verb (used with object)

1. to send or receive (information, data, or the like) via a modem.

modem

/ ˈməʊdɛm /

noun

1. computing a device for connecting two computers by a telephone line, consisting of a modulator that converts computer signals into audio signals and a corresponding demodulator

modem

1. A device for transmitting and receiving digital data over telephone wires. Modems send data by converting it into audio signals and receive it by converting audio signals back into digital form. The speed at which modems transmit data is measured in bps (bits per second).

modem

1. A device that links a personal computer to a telephone line, so that the computer can receive information from other computers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of modem¹

mo(dulator) - dem(odulator)

Word History and Origins

Origin of modem¹

C20: from mo ( dulator ) dem ( odulator )

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Reitzes said that Qualcomm’s stock multiple has been negatively impacted by concerns over the loss of its modem business with Apple.

Read more on MarketWatch

From what I saw, I’m convinced agentic and AI browsers are the future, but the current iteration feels a bit like when I first tried America Online to use the internet over dial-up modems.

Read more on Barron's

Later, I worked on modems at Bell Labs, funded by a government-mandated monopoly’s profits.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even as broadband replaced the hiss of a modem, dial-up lingered, especially in rural communities where high-speed internet still hasn’t reached.

Read more on Salon

Song hooked an external battery to her router and modem and was able to communicate with neighbors who couldn’t check the warnings and orders due to spotty cell service and power outages.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disk drive 
• hardware 
• personal computer 
• supercomputer