radio

/ˌreɪdiˈoʊ/

/ˈreɪdiəʊ/

Other forms: radios; radioed; radioing

Radio is a way of transmitting sound using electromagnetic waves called radio waves. Nowadays, people usually only listen to the radio as they drive, but — before television — radio provided prime-time entertainment.

When you turn on your car radio, you probably take for granted the many choices of music and talk stations you can choose from. The radio's electronic components do the amazing job of catching fast-moving radio waves in the air and translating them into sounds you can hear. Radios were originally called wireless because they transmit energy using waves instead of wires. The Latin root of radio is radius, "beam."

Definitions of radio

1. noun

   medium for communication
   synonyms: radiocommunication, wireless

   type of:

   broadcasting

   taking part in a radio or tv program
2. noun

   an electronic receiver that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals
   synonyms: radio receiver, radio set, receiving set, tuner, wireless

   types:

   clock radio

   a radio that includes a clock that can be set to turn it on automatically

   crystal set

   an early radio receiver using a crystal detector

   heterodyne receiver, superhet, superheterodyne receiver

   a radio receiver that combines a locally generated frequency with the carrier frequency to produce a supersonic signal that is demodulated and amplified

   push-button radio

   a radio receiver that can be tuned by pressing buttons

   type of:

   receiver, receiving system

   set that receives radio or tv signals
3. noun

   a communication system based on broadcasting electromagnetic waves
   synonyms: wireless

   types:

   radiotelegraph, radiotelegraphy, wireless telegraph, wireless telegraphy

   the use of radio to send telegraphic messages (usually by Morse code)

   type of:

   communication system

   a system for communicating
4. verb

   transmit messages via radio waves
   “he radioed for help”

   type of:

   communicate, intercommunicate

   transmit thoughts or feelings
5. adjective

   indicating radiation or radioactivity