modulate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɒdjʊleɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1exert a modifying or controlling influence on: the state attempts to modulate private business’s cash flow
  • 2vary the strength, tone, or pitch of (one’s voice): we all modulate our voice by hearing it
  • alter the amplitude or frequency of (an electromagnetic wave or other oscillation) in accordance with the variations of a second signal, typically one of a lower frequency: radio waves are modulated to carry the analogue information of the voice
  • [no object] Music change from one key to another: the first half of the melody, modulating from E minor to G
  • [no object] (modulate into) change from one form or condition into (another): the fraught silence would modulate into conciliatory monosyllables

Derivatives

modulation

Pronunciation: /-ˈleɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

modulator

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'intone a song'): from Latin modulat- 'measured, made melody', from the verb modulari, from modulus 'measure' (see modulus)