modem

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A device that encodes digital computer signals into analog telephone signals and vice versa, allowing computers to communicate over a phone line.

   Choose and rent, over PC and modem and fiber-optic line, from tens of thousands of second-run films, documentaries, the occasional sport, old beloved non—‘Happy Days’ programs, wholly new programs, cultural stuff, and c.[…]

2. 2
   verb

   To transmit by modem.

   Personal modeming is most prevalent in the U.S., where a modem generally doesn't have huge taxes slapped on it, and after-tax income is comparatively high.

3. 3
   noun

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

Etymology

Clipping of modulator-demodulator