noun

modulation

Modulation (noun) means Modification or regulation of something to achieve an appropriate measure or proportion; (countable) an instance of this.

noun

Modification or regulation of something to achieve an appropriate measure or proportion; (countable) an instance of this.

Variation (especially softening or toning down) of brightness, form, etc.; (countable) an instance of this.

Variation in the activity or form of a cell in response to changes in the environment; (countable) an instance of this.

Chiefly preceded by a descriptive word: modification of an electromagnetic wave or other oscillating carrier wave to apply a signal to it; (countable) an instance of this; also, the extent to which such a wave is modified; and the modified wave or signal.

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Etymology

From Late Middle English modulacion, modulacioun (“act of making music or singing; harmony; melody, song”), from Middle French modulation (modern French modulation), and directly from its etymon Latin modulātiō (“regular or rhythmical measure, modulation; inflection of tone; (architecture) calculation of measurements from a standard unit; (Late Latin) act of making music or singing; melody, song”), from modulātus (“modulated”) + -iō (suffix forming abstract nouns from verbs). Modulātus is a perfect participle of modulor (“to beat time; to make music or sing; to measure; etc.”), from modulus (“rhythmical measure, interval; rhythm; small interval or measure, etc.”) + -or (suffix forming certain inflections of verbs); and modulus is from modus (“measure; method; etc.”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *med- (“to measure; etc.”)) + -ulus (diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, modulat(e) + -ion (suffix denoting an action or process, or its result).

Rhymes for modulation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of modulation?

"modulation" (noun) means modification or regulation of something to achieve an appropriate measure or proportion; (countable) an instance of this.

What are the different meanings of modulation?

"modulation" has 3 main meanings: 1. Modification or regulation of something to achieve an appropriate measure or proportion; (countable) an instance of this; 2. Variation (especially softening or toning down) of brightness, form, etc.; (countable) an instance of this; 3. Variation in the activity or form of a cell in response to changes in the environment; (countable) an instance of this.