— modulability /moj'euh leuh bil"i tee/ , n. — modulative, modulatory /moj"euh leuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj.
/moj"euh layt'/ , v. , modulated, modulating .
v.t.
1. to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
2. to alter or adapt (the voice) according to the circumstances, one's listener, etc.
3. Music.
a. to attune to a certain pitch or key.
b. to vary the volume of (tone).
4. Telecommunications. to cause the amplitude, frequency, phase, or intensity of (a carrier wave) to vary in accordance with a sound wave or other signal, the frequency of the signal wave usually being very much lower than that of the carrier.
v.i.
5. Telecommunications.
a. to modulate a carrier wave.
b. CB Slang. to talk; visit: Enjoyed modulating with you.
6. Music. to pass from one key to another: to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.
[ 1550-60; modulatus (ptp. of modulari to regulate (sounds), set to music, play an instrument). See MODULE, -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 2. temper, control.