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radio signal

radio signal

26 2.7
A wave used to send or receive information through the air
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪdioʊ ˈsɪɡnəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : señal de radio
  • The VLA is such a sensitive receiving system that it could detect a cell phone's radio signal at the distance of Jupiter.
  • transmit radio signal
  • send radio signal
  • receive radio signal

And then he ends up getting a radio signal, but it's not from the command centre.

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Examples

  • In some instances, the radio signal was blocked by topography or trees.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Each satellite constantly broadcasts radio signals that travel from space to your phone at the speed of light.

  • And then he ends up getting a radio signal, but it's not from the command centre.

  • I keep losing radio signal.

  • A radio signal from another world.

  • How long does it take for a radio signal to travel to Mars?

    Academic text (2007)
  • Yesterday morning, American scientists detected a radio signal from space.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Professor Gerran, we just picked up a radio signal, distorted and breaking up.

  • Most homes are enveloped by high walls and have sophisticated security systems linked by radio signal to armed response companies.

    Academic text (1998)
  • People on Earth communicate with spacecraft using a radio signal transmitted from the control center.

Synonyms

signal
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
991 3.8

A change in electric current or voltage that carries information in devices

is specifically an electromagnetic wave used for wireless sending and receiving information
radio wave
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
19 3.2

A wave of invisible energy that sends signals to radios and phones

is used specifically for sending or receiving information rather than general physics
carrier
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
16 5.6

A radio wave changed to send sound or data through the air

is broader, covering any wave used for transmitting or receiving information
radio frequency
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
13 4.1

A range of waves used to send wireless signals, for example in radios or phones

describes the actual transmitted information, not just the frequency value
carrier wave
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
7 6.1

Radio wave that carries information when its strength, rate, or timing is changed

is the general term for a wave used to send or receive information
radio emission
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A wave like radio signals that an object sends out

is focused on use for sending or receiving information rather than just presence
radiofrequency
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A radio wave used for wireless signals or medical treatment

is the transmitted information itself rather than the frequency band or range
radiotelegraphic signal
vsradio signal
  • Archaic
6.1

A message sent by radio using dots and dashes

is the general term for any wave used to send or receive information
radio radiation
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
4.0

Waves that carry sound and pictures through the air, like radio and TV signals

is the specific term for waves used directly to carry information
radio beam
vsradio signal
  • Specialized
4.8

A narrow radio signal that helps pilots find the runway in poor visibility

is any wave used for communication, not only narrow directed guiding transmissions

How Strong

reception
  • Jargon
81 3.7
radio signal
  • Specialized
26 2.7
faintness
1 5.5

Surface Forms

radio signal singular
radio signals plural

Morphology

radio + signal

The meaning 'a radio wave used for transmitting or receiving information' is directly compositional from 'radio' (broadcasting via electromagnetic waves) and 'signal' (a transmission carrying information). This is a common, cross-linguistic noun + noun compound following standard English combination patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Radio signal: The noun radio signal comes from the image of invisible waves carrying a message. The word radio refers to those waves and signal is the sign or message they send, so the phrase means 'a wave that carries sound or data'.