modulator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “modulator” mean?
A device or component that modulates a signal or process.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device or component that modulates a signal or process.
Something or someone that regulates, adjusts, or varies the characteristics of another system, signal, or situation. In a figurative sense, it can refer to a person or factor that influences the intensity or quality of an interaction or outcome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciations may vary (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “modulator” in a Sentence
[modulator] of [noun phrase] (e.g., modulator of immune response)[adjective] + [modulator] (e.g., electronic modulator)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modulator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system modulates the carrier wave.
American English
- The chip modulates the incoming signal.
adjective
British English
- The modulating signal was unstable.
- She studied modulator protein functions.
American English
- The modulating circuit is integrated.
- We need a modulator chip.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in general business; highly specific to telecommunications or hardware businesses.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, telecommunications, and molecular biology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in electronics (RF modulator), signal processing, and pharmacology (GABA modulator).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modulator”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modulator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modulator”
- Misspelling as 'moderator'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He modulators the signal' is incorrect; use 'modulates').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its main function is to vary one or more properties (like amplitude, frequency, or phase) of a carrier signal in proportion to a separate input signal, enabling the transmission of information.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used primarily in technical fields such as engineering, physics, and biology.
Very rarely. In highly specialised figurative language, one might refer to a 'modulator of debate,' but this is exceptionally uncommon. It is almost exclusively a term for a device or biochemical agent.
In electronics, the direct counterpart is a 'demodulator' (or detector), which extracts the original information-bearing signal from the modulated carrier wave.
A device or component that modulates a signal or process.
Modulator is usually formal, technical in register.
Modulator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒdʒ.ə.leɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.dʒə.leɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MODUlator like a DJ with a MIXER: it MODUlates (changes/mixes) the music signal for the radio.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODULATOR IS A TRANSLATOR (it translates a base signal into a form suitable for transmission).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'modulator' LEAST likely to be used?