Modulatory

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Functioning to modify the outcome or performance of a system or process
2. Operating to influence and manage the characteristics or behaviors of a particular mechanism
3. Acting to change or control the way a process or system functions

Etymology: "Modulatory" is simply "modulate" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ory" attached. "Modulate" comes from the Latin "modulari," meaning to measure or regulate, and the "-ory" ending, from Latin "-orius" through Old French "-oire," marks something that performs or relates to an action. A modulatory element is therefore one that performs the act of modulating, adjusting a signal, a flow, or a mechanism's behaviour in a controlled way. The core idea behind "modulate" is measure: the Latin "modulus" meant a small measure or standard, and from that grew the sense of keeping things in proper proportion, which is why the word covers both tuning a tone and regulating a machine. The suffix gives the adjective its sense of working as a means of such regulation.

Synonyms: regulatory, controlling, adjustive