modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an inflection of the tone or pitch of the voice

specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning

2

: a regulating according to measure or proportion : tempering

3

: a change from one musical key to another by modulating

4

: the process of modulating a carrier or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Examples of modulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Easier than amending the U.S. Constitution, this kind of state-by-state modulation illustrates the function that state constitutions are meant to play in American democracy, experts say. —Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024

Ariana Grande’s Celine Dion Romanticizes UFC Fighting With Theme Song Fineman and Grande take turns impersonating Coolidge’s unique vocal modulation. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2024

Along with his distinct vocal modulations, Xavi’s pushes boundaries with variations on instrumentation and song structure. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024

Cuarón wrote one screenplay with more than 300 pages, and later divided that into chapters based on the piece’s dramatic modulations. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modulation

• amplitude modulation
• frequency modulation
• phase modulation

Kids Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an action of modulating

2

: the extent or degree by which something is modulated

3

: a change from one musical key to another by using a chord that is found in both keys

4

: the process of modulating a carrier wave or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Medical Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of modulating

2

: a reversible change in histological structure due to physiological factors