transmission
trans-MIH-shuhn
Transmission (noun) means the act of sending or passing something on, such as data, a signal, or a disease. Example: “The transmission of the virus slowed after the lockdown.”
noun
1
The act of sending or passing something on, such as data, a signal, or a disease.
"The transmission of the virus slowed after the lockdown."
"Data transmission speeds have improved dramatically."
"Washing your hands helps stop the transmission of germs in a busy classroom."
2
The mechanism in a vehicle that sends power from the engine to the wheels.
"The car needed a new transmission after the gearbox failed."
"The mechanic said the grinding noise came from a worn transmission, not the engine."
"My automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly, even when I drive up steep hills."
How to use transmission
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe passing of something — a signal, a disease, or engine power — from one place or thing to another.
Common pairings
disease transmission
automatic transmission
signal transmission
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Word forms
- Plural
- transmissions
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The _____ of the virus slowed after the lockdown.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin "transmissio," from "transmittere" ("to send across").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for transmission
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for transmission →
Frequently asked questions
What does “transmission” mean?
The word “transmission” means the act of sending or passing something on, such as data, a signal, or a disease. In plain terms, the passing of something — a signal, a disease, or engine power — from one place or thing to another.
How do you pronounce “transmission”?
“Transmission” is pronounced trans-MIH-shuhn (/tɹænsˈmɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “transmission” in a sentence?
Here is “transmission” used in a sentence: “The transmission of the virus slowed after the lockdown.”
What is another word for “transmission”?
Words with a similar meaning to “transmission” include outsending.
What part of speech is “transmission”?
“Transmission” is a noun.
Where does the word “transmission” come from?
The word “transmission” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin "transmissio," from "transmittere" ("to send across").
Is “transmission” a common word?
“Transmission” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “transmission” have?
“Transmission” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of sending or passing something on, such as data, a signal, or a disease.
What is the difference between transmission and transfer?
Transmission is the act of sending or passing something on, such as data, a signal, or a disease, and often stresses the process of movement across a distance or between people. Transfer usually means moving something from one place, person, or account to another, with an emphasis on the change of location or ownership. You speak of the transmission of a virus, but the transfer of funds or files.
What is the difference between an automatic and a manual transmission?
A transmission is the mechanism in a vehicle that sends power from the engine to the wheels. An automatic transmission changes gears by itself as you drive, while a manual transmission requires the driver to change gears using a clutch and gear stick. Both perform the same core job of transferring engine power to the wheels.
Is transmission countable or uncountable?
Transmission can be both. It is uncountable when it refers to the general process of sending something, as in "the transmission of sound." It is countable when it refers to a specific broadcast or a vehicle part, as in "a live transmission" or "the car needs a new transmission."
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