transmit

American  

[trans-mit, tranz-] / trænsˈmɪt, trænz- /

verb (used with object)

transmitted, transmitting

1. to send or forward, as to a recipient or destination; dispatch; convey.

   Synonyms:

   remit, transfer

2. to communicate, as information or news.

   Synonyms:

   bear

3. to pass or spread (disease, infection, etc.) to another.

4. to pass on (a genetic characteristic) from parent to offspring.

   The mother transmitted her red hair to her daughter.

5. Physics.

   1. to cause (light, heat, sound, etc.) to pass through a medium.

   2. to convey or pass along (an impulse, force, motion, etc.).

   3. to permit (light, heat, etc.) to pass through.

      Glass transmits light.

6. Radio and Television. to emit (electromagnetic waves).

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verb (used without object)

transmitted, transmitting

1. to send a signal by wire, radio, or television waves.

2. to pass on a right or obligation to heirs or descendants.

transmit British  

/ trænzˈmɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to pass or cause to go from one place or person to another; transfer

2. (tr) to pass on or impart (a disease, infection, etc)

3. (tr) to hand down to posterity

4. (tr; usually passive) to pass (an inheritable characteristic) from parent to offspring

5. to allow the passage of (particles, energy, etc)

   radio waves are transmitted through the atmosphere

6. 1. to send out (signals) by means of radio waves or along a transmission line

   2. to broadcast (a radio or television programme)

7. (tr) to transfer (a force, motion, power, etc) from one part of a mechanical system to another

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Related Words

See carry.

Other Word Forms

• nontransmittible
  adjective
• pretransmit
  verb (used with object)
• retransmit
  verb (used with object)
• transmittable
  adjective
• transmittal
  noun
• transmittible
  adjective
• untransmitted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of transmit

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English transmitten, from Latin trānsmittere “to send across,” from trāns- trans- + mittere “to send”

Explanation

If you’re an international spy, you might transmit secret messages using a special code written in invisible ink. If you aren’t a spy, you could probably just use email. Whatever your circumstances, when you transmit information, you send. You can transmit things from person to person or from one thing to another. The airwaves can be used to transmit radio or TV signals, for example, and computers can transmit messages over a network. This verb often describes messages or data being sent, but you can also transmit ideas, beliefs, or attitude. In addition, transmit can describe the spread of disease, like mosquitoes that can transmit disease when they bite.

Example Sentences

Transmit power ranges from 200 watts RMS for the smallest single-frequency unit to 600 watts RMS, 3,300-foot maximum range with dual-frequency operation for the 5- and 6.4-inch display models.

From Time Magazine Archive

And this year in Los Angeles, two pressagents, incorporated as Transmit, Inc., offered the same service to Southern California newspapers and radio and television stations.

From Time Magazine Archive

Transmit fixes the attention more on the intervening agency, as send does upon the points of departure and destination.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

Rumours strange, And of unholy nature, are abroad, And busy with thy name—a noble name For centuries; may he who bears it now Transmit it unimpair'd.

From Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 4 With His Letters and Journals by Moore, Thomas

Transmit their memories and their virtues to posterity as its best inheritance!

From Sons and Fathers by Edwards, Harry Stillwell

Related Words

• address
• broadcast
• carry
• conduct
• convey
• disseminate
• impart
• pass on
• relay
• spread
• transfer
• translate
• transport