superheterodyne receiver
- noun
- /ˌsuːpərˈhɛtərəˌdaɪn rɪˈsiːvər/
- Specialized
:
receptor superheterodino
- He explained how a superheterodyne receiver works by mixing incoming signals with a local oscillator frequency.
Examples
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The technician adjusted the settings on the superheterodyne receiver to improve signal clarity.
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With its advanced features, the superheterodyne receiver can capture weaker radio frequencies more effectively.
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And you know what that position is on your superheterodyne receiver, right?
Synonyms
A radio that changes incoming signals to one lower frequency to make them stronger and easier to receive
A radio that changes incoming signals to one fixed frequency for easier processing
A radio that mixes its signal with a received signal to make a lower frequency easier to amplify and hear
How Sensitive
- Specialized
1
5.1
- Specialized
112
3.4
- Archaic
5
5.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'superheterodyne' (pertaining to circuits that convert signals to a fixed intermediate frequency) qualifies 'receiver' (a device that picks up signals), so the overall meaning is directly inferable from the parts. Although the term is technical, its structure follows standard English composition patterns, so a learner who knows both constituents can understand the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Superheterodyne receiver comes from joining super and heterodyne, where heterodyne refers to 'mixing different frequencies'. The receiver's trick is to literally 'mix' the incoming radio wave with a local wave to make a single steady 'middle' tone that is easier to amplify and understand, so the name describes what the device does today.