transmission
noun
trans·mis·sion
tran(t)s-ˈmi-shən
tranz-
1
: an act, process, or instance of transmitting
transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse
2
: the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations
also
: the act or process of transmitting by radio or television
3
: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the driveshaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle
also
: the speed-changing gears in such an assembly
4
: something that is transmitted : message
Did you know?
Since trans- means "across", it's not hard to see the meaning of transmission. Disease transmission occurs when an infection passes from one living thing to another. TV signal transmission can be interrupted by tree leaves, including moving leaves and branches during a storm. Your car's transmission transmits the engine's power to the axle, changing the gears to keep the engine working with maximum efficiency at various speeds.
Cite this Entry
“Transmission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transmission. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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