transmission
In a medical context, "transmission" usually refers to how a disease spreads from one person to another. It is often used as an uncountable noun here. When talking about cars, it refers to the physical part of the machine (the gearbox). In this case, it is a countable noun (e.g., "a manual transmission"). In media and technology, it describes the process of sending signals. This usage is common in both formal technical reports and everyday conversations about TV or radio.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is waiting for Ryan to pick her up for a ride to the mall.
Maya
Where are you? You're lagging.
Ryan
My transmission just blew. I'm totally stranded.
💡
Maya uses the gaming term 'lagging' to describe Ryan's tardiness, while Ryan explains his delay is due to a mechanical failure of his car's transmission. The dynamic shows Maya's impatience and Ryan's typical bad luck/cluelessness.
Meanings
noun
The act or process of transmitting something from one place, person, or medium to another.
"The transmission of the virus occurred through airborne droplets."