First Known Use: 1615
Dictionary
modulate
verb mod·u·late \ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt\
: to change the sound of (your voice) by making it quieter, higher, lower, etc.
music : to move gradually from one key to another
: to change or adjust (something) so that it exists in a balanced or proper amount
mod·u·lat·edmod·u·lat·ing
Full Definition of MODULATE
transitive verb
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper
3
: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio); also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam
intransitive verb
1
: to play or sing with modulation
2
: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys
3
: to pass gradually from one state to another
— mod·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
— mod·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective
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Origin of MODULATE
Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari to play, sing, from modulus small measure, rhythm, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete
Rhymes with MODULATE
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Medical Dictionary
modulate
transitive verb mod·u·late \ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt\
mod·u·lat·edmod·u·lat·ing
Medical Definition of MODULATE
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion <modulate an immune response> <modulate cell activity>
—mod·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective
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