Wiktionary
n. An electromagnetic wave that can be modulated, either in frequency, amplitude or phase, to transmit speech, music, images, or other signals.
WordNet
n. a radio wave that can be modulated in order to transmit a signal [syn: carrier]
Wikipedia
In telecommunications, a carrier wave, carrier signal, or just carrier, is a waveform (usually sinusoidal) that is modulated (modified) with an input signal for the purpose of conveying information. This carrier wave is usually a much higher frequency than the input signal. The purpose of the carrier is usually either to transmit the information through space as an electromagnetic wave (as in radio communication), or to allow several carriers at different frequencies to share a common physical transmission medium by frequency division multiplexing (as, for example, a cable television system). The term is also used for an unmodulated emission in the absence of any modulating signal.
Most radio systems in the 20th century used Frequency modulation (FM) or amplitude modulation (AM) to make the carrier carry information. In the case of single-sideband modulation (SSB), the carrier is suppressed (and in some forms of SSB, eliminated). The carrier must be reintroduced at the receiver by a beat frequency oscillator (BFO). The frequency of a radio or television station is actually the carrier wave's center frequency.
Usage examples of "carrier wave".
At 1959 he switched on and tracked in on the satellite carrier wave.
Edwards pointed the antenna at it and waved it slowly across the sky until he heard the warbling carrier wave of the communications bird.
This rotated and locked onto the carrier wave signal of the Atlantic SSIX, the communications satellite used exclusively by submarines.
Suddenly the carrier wave cleared and Jansen came back on, her signal far stronger.