modem
English meaning: Modem
Definition
A device that encodes digital computer signals into analog/analogue telephone signals and vice versa and allows computers to communicate over a phone line.
Example
“The old dial-up modem screeched as it connected to the network.”
Another example: “Whenever the internet drops, I have to unplug the modem and plug it back in.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A technical noun from computing and telecommunications, now slightly dated as broadband and routers dominate, though still in everyday use for home internet hardware. Often combined with 'router' in 'modem-router'. Pronounced 'MOH-dem'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
A 1950s blend of 'modulator' and 'demodulator', describing the device's two-way conversion of signals.
Synonyms
- router
- data adapter
- dongle
Related Words
- baud
- isdn
- dsl
- router
- fax
- adapter
- ethernet
- ump
- chipset
- bbs
Common Collocations
- cable modem
- dial-up modem
- modem connection
- reset the modem
- wireless modem
- modem speed
Word Forms
modem (n); modems (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B