modulate
to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
to alter or adapt (the voice) according to the circumstances, one's listener, etc.
Music.
to attune to a certain pitch or key.
to vary the volume of (tone).
Telecommunications. to cause the amplitude, frequency, phase, or intensity of (a carrier wave) to vary in accordance with a sound wave or other signal, the frequency of the signal wave usually being very much lower than that of the carrier.
Telecommunications.
to modulate a carrier wave.
Citizens Band Radio Slang. to talk; visit: Enjoyed modulating with you.
Music. to pass from one key to another: to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.
Origin of modulate
1Other words for modulate
Other words from modulate
- mod·u·la·bil·i·ty [moj-uh-luh-bil-i-tee], /ˌmɒdʒ ə ləˈbɪl ɪ ti/, noun
- mod·u·la·tive, mod·u·la·to·ry [moj-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ˈmɒdʒ ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective
- re·mod·u·late, verb (used with object), re·mod·u·lat·ed, re·mod·u·lat·ing.
- un·mod·u·lat·ed, adjective
- un·mod·u·la·tive, adjective
- well-mod·u·lat·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use modulate in a sentence
Throughout this all, a variety of signaling molecules modulate the strength of the immune attack and induce inflammatory responses.
The persistence of memory in B cells: Hints of stability in COVID immunity | John Timmer | January 20, 2021 | Ars TechnicaIt is believed to enhance the function of cells, such as T cells, that protect the body from pathogens and may help modulate inflammatory responses if the body is under attack.
Vitamin D sales are up. But experts still don’t know whether it can prevent or treat covid. | Allyson Chiu | January 11, 2021 | Washington PostCompassion for patients can actually modulate a patient’s perception of pain.
How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? (Ep. 444) | Stephen J. Dubner | December 17, 2020 | FreakonomicsBoth have the ability to modulate speed and change direction on a dime, adding an explosive quality to whatever offense they're in.
Russell Westbrook is a known quantity. The question is how he’ll fit with the Wizards. | Ava Wallace | December 3, 2020 | Washington PostLike many other forms of exercise, running increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps our brains modulate our stress responses.
Modulating your tone and positions is something you have to do when you live in a two-party state.
Rick Scott & Rick Perry: A Tale of Two Ricks in Palm Beach | Daniel Gross | April 9, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTGueyma's and the Cougar's horses walked side by side, the riders modulating the pace, and stealthily looking around them.
The Flying Horseman | Gustave AimardShe was at the modulating point between indifference and love, at the stage called "having a fancy for."
Return of the Native | Thomas HardyShe leaned a little toward him, modulating her voice for his ear alone.
The Salamander | Owen JohnsonWith two holes for blowing and for modulating the sound, perforated towards the thinner end.
Musical Myths and Facts, Volume I (of 2) | Carl EngelWe've about concluded that somehow our amplifier system is modulating the incoming hydrogen signal from the antenna.
The Egyptian Cat Mystery | Harold Leland Goodwin
British Dictionary definitions for modulate
/ (ˈmɒdjʊˌleɪt) /
(tr) to change the tone, pitch, or volume of
(tr) to adjust or regulate the degree of
music
to subject to or undergo modulation in music
(often foll by to) to make or become in tune (with a pitch, key, etc)
(tr) physics electronics to cause to vary by a process of modulation
Origin of modulate
1Derived forms of modulate
- modulability (ˌmɒdjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ), noun
- modulative or modulatory, adjective
- modulator, noun
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 modulate
[ mŏj′ə-lāt′ ]
To vary the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristic of a signal or power source. See also amplitude modulation frequency modulation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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