modem

/ˈmoʊɾəm/

/ˈmʌʊdɪm/

Other forms: modems

Simply put, a modem is an electronic device that changes a digital computer signal to audio so it can be carried on telephone lines. It also changes an incoming signal back so it can be read on the computer.

Although a form of modem was used as early as 1940 to connect teletype machines to telephones, the word appeared with growing use in 1958, taken from its function as a "modulator" and "demodulator" of sound signals, changing them from audio to digital and back again. This is critical in computer use. Since its inception, modem speeds, measured in bits per second, or bps, have increased dramatically, from the early 300 bps to scorching speeds of USB wireless modems.

Definitions of modem

1. noun

   (from a combination of MOdulate and DEModulate) electronic equipment consisting of a device used to connect computers by a telephone line
   types:

   acoustic modem

   a modem that converts electrical signals to telephone tones and back again

   type of:

   electronic equipment, electronics

   equipment that involves the controlled conduction of electrons (especially in a gas or vacuum or semiconductor)