transmitter

American  

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

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits.

2. Also called transmitting set.  Radio. a device for sending electromagnetic waves; the part of a broadcasting apparatus that generates and modulates the radiofrequency current and conveys it to the antenna.

3. the part of a telephonic or telegraphic apparatus that converts sound waves or mechanical movements into corresponding electric waves or impulses.

4. Biochemistry. neurotransmitter.

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transmitter British  

/ trænzˈmɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits

2. the equipment used for generating and amplifying a radio-frequency carrier, modulating the carrier with information, and feeding it to an aerial for transmission

3. the microphone in a telephone that converts sound waves into audio-frequency electrical signals

4. a device that converts mechanical movements into coded electrical signals transmitted along a telegraph circuit

5. physiol short for neurotransmitter

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transmitter Scientific  

/ trăns′mĭt-ər /

1. A device that converts sound, light, or electrical signals into radio, microwave, or other electrical signals of sufficient strength for the purpose of telecommunication.

2. Compare receiver

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Etymology

Origin of transmitter

First recorded in 1720–30; transmit + -er ¹

Example Sentences

One critical factor that influences how well QKD works is pointing error, which occurs when the transmitter and receiver are not perfectly aligned.

From Science Daily

In 1877, Berliner, then working with Edison, created the first “telephone voice transmitter,” a device that used a vibrating metal diaphragm to convert sound waves into electrical signals for transmission over telephone lines.

From The Wall Street Journal

In this system, the mike was connected to a transmitter that sent signals you could pick up blocks away.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency's transmitters began sending out "involuntary signal emissions", YPA said.

From Barron's

Also benefitting are the University of Strathclyde, to develop a satellite navigation system that doesn't rely on GPS, and Heriot-Watt University to help build a quantum communication transmitter for small satellites.

From BBC