Definition of: modulate

(moj′·lāt) v. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing v.t.
1. To vary the tone, inflection, or pitch of.
2. To regulate or adjust; temper; soften.
3. Music To change or cause to change to a different key.
4. To intone or sing.
5. Electronics To alter the frequency or amplitude of (a radio carrier wave).
—v.i.
6. Electronics To alter the frequency or amplitude of a carrier wave.
7. Music To change from one key to another by using a transitional chord common to both. [<L modulatus, pp. of modulari regulate <modulus MODULE]
—mod′u·la·to′ry (-lə·tôr′ē, -tō′rē) adjective