modulator

IPA/mˈɒdjʊlˌeɪtə/
KK[mˈɑdʒəlˌetɚ]IPA/mˈɑːdʒəlˌeɪtər/

modulator — noun

  • modulatorsingular
  • modulatorsplural

1. a device or circuit that changes a radio, audio, or light signal in a controlled

1.名詞C2
釋義

a device or circuit that changes a radio, audio, or light signal in a controlled way so it can carry information or produce a special sound effect

例句

The old TV needs an RF modulator to show the game console.

RF modulator for sending video to a TV

Engineers tested a new optical modulator for faster data over fibre.

optical modulator in data transmission

同義詞
  • encoder

    broader technical term; not every encoder works by changing a carrier signal.

反義詞
  • demodulator

    the device that extracts the original information from a modulated signal.

文法句型

an RF / optical / voice modulator

plug a modulator into + device

a modulator for + signal / data / video

用法筆記

Most often names technical hardware such as an RF, optical, or voice modulator. The noun refers to the unit that changes the signal, not to the receiving equipment at the other end.

常見錯誤

❌We need a modulator to receive the signal.
✅We need a receiver to receive the signal.
💡a modulator alters or prepares a signal; it does not decode the incoming one.

2. a substance or factor that changes how strongly a body process, feeling, or syst

2.名詞C2
釋義

a substance or factor that changes how strongly a body process, feeling, or system works, without simply switching it fully on or off

例句

Doctors use this immune modulator to calm the body's overactive response.

immune modulator in medical treatment

Stress can act as a modulator of how strongly people feel pain.

act as a modulator of + response

同義詞
  • regulator

    broader term for something that controls a process; modulator often suggests finer adjustment.

  • mediator

    often names something that links two processes rather than directly tuning their strength.

文法句型

an immune / pain / hormone modulator

act as a modulator of + response / mood / pain

use a modulator to + verb

用法筆記

Common in medicine, biology, and neuroscience, often after another noun such as 'immune', 'pain', or 'mood'. Unlike sense 1, this sense can refer to a drug, hormone, or outside condition rather than a piece of hardware.