Definition of modulate

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< modularized

modulation >

mod·u·late    (mj-lt) KEY 

VERB:
mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing, mod·u·lates
VERB:
tr.

1. To adjust or adapt to a certain proportion; regulate or temper.
2. To change or vary the pitch, intensity, or tone of (one's voice or a musical instrument, for example).
3. Electronics
   1. To vary the frequency, amplitude, phase, or other characteristic of (electromagnetic waves).
   2. To vary (electron velocity) in an electron beam.

VERB:
intr.
Music

To move from one key or tonality to another by means of a melody or chord progression.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin modulr, modult-, to measure off, to regulate, from modulus, diminutive of modus, measure; see med- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
modu·la·bili·ty(Noun), modu·lative or modu·la·tory  (-l-tôr, -tr) KEY (Adjective)