old english definition of modem
Word origin of 'modem'. modem in Electrical Engineering (moÊdÉm) A modem is a hardware device that converts digital computer data into analog tones that can be transmitted over dial-up telephone circuits. Analog modems convert the digital (binary) signal from the computer into an analog signal that the old style telephone network understands. A broadband modem may share the utility data communications channel for the purpose of Internet access and other computer type services.