modem

[ moh-duhm, -dem ]

noun

1. an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from a computer via telephone or other communication lines.

verb (used with object)

1. to send or receive (information, data, or the like) via a modem.

modem

/ ˈməʊdɛm /

noun

1. computing a device for connecting two computers by a telephone line, consisting of a modulator that converts computer signals into audio signals and a corresponding demodulator

modem

/ mō′dəm /

1. A device for transmitting and receiving digital data over telephone wires. Modems send data by converting it into audio signals and receive it by converting audio signals back into digital form. The speed at which modems transmit data is measured in bps (bits per second).

modem

1. A device that links a personal computer to a telephone line, so that the computer can receive information from other computers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of modem¹

mo(dulator) - dem(odulator)

Word History and Origins

Origin of modem¹

C20: from mo ( dulator ) dem ( odulator )

Example Sentences

The actual road that led Redick to the Lakers has been lined with coaxial cables, modems and Wi-Fi signals, and is painfully and, at times, beautifully structureless.

From Los Angeles Times

Net neutrality has been a partisan football for more than two decades, or ever since high-speed broadband connections began to supplant dial-up modems.

From Los Angeles Times

That, plus subsequent cases, eventually would help popularize the internet — jacking early modems into the telephone system — and the legal breakup of the AT&T/Bell monopoly.

From Seattle Times

This turned out to be a perfect place to hide his WiFi router, internet modem and the controls for his interior sound speakers.

From Seattle Times

The receivers are essentially a raft supporting three solar panels and a locked box with a modem and a computer that records contacts with tagged carp.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• disk drive
• hardware
• personal computer
• supercomputer