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Definition of modem

modem

/ˈmoʊ.dɛm/
mo · dem
Plural:modems
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modem Lexical Profile

modem Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An electronic device that modulates digital data into analog signals for transmission over telecommunication lines, and demodulates incoming analog signals back into digital data.

Example

"The technician arrived to upgrade our cable modem, which immediately resolved the latency issues with our home internet connection."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for modem

Word Nuance & Usage

Although technically distinct, the term 'modem' is frequently conflated with 'router' in casual usage; however, a modem acts as the bridge connecting a local network to the internet provider, whereas a router directs traffic between the local devices themselves.

• Nearby Words

model
modeler
modeling
modem
moderate
moderately
moderateness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 1950s as a portmanteau of the words 'modulator' and 'demodulator', reflecting the device's core function.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Modem. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/modem
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