modulation

(mäj′ə lās̸hən)

noun

  1. a modulating or being modulated; specif.,
    1. Music a shifting from one key to another
    2. Radio a variation in the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a wave in accordance with some signal
  2. a variation in stress or pitch in speaking, as in distinguishing between the merely auxiliary and the lexical uses of a word (Ex.: “There is a post office on Main Street,” as contrasted with “There is the post office”)

Origin: ME modulacioun < L modulatio

See modulation in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The act or process of modulating.
  2. The state of being modulated.
  3. Music
    a. A passing or transition from one key or tonality to another.
    b. The result of such a transition.
  4. a. A change in stress, pitch, loudness, or tone of the voice; an inflection of the voice.
    b. An instance of such a change or an inflection.
  5. The harmonious use of language, as in poetry or prose.
  6. Electronics The variation of a property of an electromagnetic wave or signal, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase.

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