Modulation

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌmɒdjʊˈleɪʃn̩/

Definitions

1. The act of altering characteristics such as amplitude, frequency, or phase in a signal
2. The adjustment of a system's parameters to achieve desired outcomes or functionalities
3. The process of changing elements like amplitude or frequency in a signal ; the act of fine-tuning components or settings within a system to optimize its function

Etymology: Music came first. The Latin "modulātiō" meant "regular or rhythmical measure," and in Late Latin it could also mean the act of making music or singing, a melody or song. Medieval English took the word in that musical sense, and "modulacion" meant harmony or melody long before it described anything electrical. The modern technical senses, changing amplitude or frequency in a signal and fine-tuning a system, grew out of that older idea of adjusting a measured pattern to shape its effect. The Latin root behind it is "modus," meaning "measure" or "method," which descends from a very old word for measuring. Adding the diminutive ending "-ulus" gave "modulus," a small measure or rhythmical interval. The verb "modulor" meant to beat time, make music, or measure, and the noun was formed from its past participle plus the suffix "-iō," which makes abstract nouns of action.

Synonyms: adjustment, variation, alteration, change, regulation

Antonyms: stagnation, uniformity, stability, constancy