Transmitter
[trænzˈmɪtər]
Definitions
2 meaningsA device or system that sends out a signal, such as radio waves or electrical impulses.
[trænzˈmɪtər]
A device that sends out signals.
The news reporter used a portable transmitter to broadcast live from the scene.
💡 Simply: Imagine a device that sends messages, like a radio tower sending out music or a tiny device in your body sending signals between your nerves. A transmitter is simply something that sends information from one place to another.
👶 For kids: A transmitter is like a machine that sends out a message or a signal, like a radio sending music or a phone sending your voice.
More Examples
The satellite's transmitter sent data back to Earth.
Damage to the main transmitter caused a temporary outage of the local television channels.
How It's Used
"The radio transmitter broadcasted the signal across the city."
"A faulty transmitter can disrupt the television signal."
"Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in brain function."
A substance, such as a neurotransmitter, that transmits signals across a synapse.
[trænzˈmɪtər]
A substance that transmits nerve impulses.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation.
💡 Simply: Think of the switches in your brain. Neurotransmitters are the tiny chemical messengers that flip the switches to make things happen in your body. They are the transmitters within the brain to relay messages.
👶 For kids: In your brain, there are tiny messengers that help your body do things. These messengers are like transmitters, sending signals!
More Examples
Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can contribute to various neurological conditions.
The effects of the drug were to increase neurotransmitter production.
How It's Used
"Neurotransmitters are crucial for the function of the nervous system."
"Certain medications affect the levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain."
From Latin *transmittere* ('to send across'), from *trans* ('across') + *mittere* ('to send'). Initially referring to any device sending something across, later specifically applied to radio and telecommunication devices.
The term 'transmitter' emerged in the late 19th century, initially referring to devices that communicated across distances, later being tied specifically to radio and electronic devices.
Memory tip
Think of a device that *transmits* information.