modulation

/ˌmɑdʒəˈleɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act of changing or adjusting something, such as the level, pitch, or intensity of something.
    • The singer's modulation of her voice made the song more emotional.
    • Good modulation of the volume helps keep the audience engaged.
    • The thermostat allows for easy modulation of the room temperature.
  2. In music, a change from one key to another within a piece.
    • The sudden modulation from C major to G major surprised the listeners.
    • This composer is known for his smooth modulations between keys.
    • Learning modulation is an important skill for any pianist.
  3. In electronics, the process of varying a carrier signal (like a radio wave) to transmit information.
    • FM radio uses frequency modulation to broadcast music.
    • Modulation allows a single cable to carry many different TV channels.
    • Without modulation, radio signals could not carry voice or data.