Meaning & use
the transmission
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
The part of a vehicle that carries power from the engine to the wheels.
Grammar: Used with 'the' when talking about a specific vehicle's transmission: 'The transmission is broken.'
Patterns
- the transmission of a vehicle
- a manual/automatic transmission
The mechanic said the transmission needs to be replaced.
This car has an automatic transmission, so it's easy to drive.
He shifted the transmission into first gear.
noununcountableformal
The act of sending out signals, messages, or programs, especially by radio, television, or the internet.
Grammar: Often used with 'of': 'the transmission of data'.
Patterns
- the transmission of something
- a live transmission
The transmission of the live concert was interrupted by bad weather.
We watched the transmission of the football match on TV.
The transmission of data over the network is very fast.
noununcountablemedical
The passing of a disease from one person or animal to another.
Grammar: Used especially in medical contexts, often with 'of': 'the transmission of malaria'.
Patterns
- the transmission of a disease
- prevent transmission
Vaccines help reduce the transmission of the virus.
The transmission of malaria is common in tropical regions.
Hand washing can prevent the transmission of many infections.
Word forms
| plural | transmissions |
|---|
Common combinations
- automatic transmission
- Most new cars come with an automatic transmission.
- transmission of disease
- The transmission of disease can be slowed by wearing masks.
- live transmission
- The live transmission from the stadium starts at 7 p.m.
- transmission tower
- The transmission tower sends radio signals across the region.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gearbox
- A gearbox is the set of gears in a vehicle; it is a more specific part of the transmission system.
- broadcast
- A broadcast is a single program or event sent out; transmission is the general process of sending.
- spread
- Spread is often used for the movement of disease but is less technical than transmission.
Word family
- transmit verb
- To send out signals, messages, or diseases.
- transmitter noun
- A device that sends out radio or television signals.
Commonly confused: the transmission or transformation?
the transmission vs transformation
Transformation means a complete change in form or appearance, while transmission means sending something or the vehicle part.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
In this sense, 'transmission' means a broadcast, so 'live' (in real time) is correct. The other options are adjectives or adverbs that do not fit the meaning of a broadcast.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the transmission”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.