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modulate definition

modu·late (mäj′ə lāt′)

transitive verb modulated -·lat′ed, modulating -·lat′·ing

  1. to regulate, adjust, or adapt to the proper degree
  2. to vary the pitch, intensity, etc. of (the voice), often specif. to a lower degree
  3. Radio to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (an oscillation, as a carrier wave) in accordance with some signal

Etymology: < L modulatus, pp. of modulari, to regulate, measure off, arrange < modulus, dim. of modus: see mode

intransitive verb

to shift to another key within a musical composition

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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