English Reference
noun

transmission

n.
US /tɹænsˈmɪʃən/ UK /tɹænsmˈɪʃən/ trans·mis·sion UK spelling transmission's, transmission's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    the act of sending out electronic signals, like radio, television, or internet data.

    the process of broadcasting or communicating information via electromagnetic waves or digital signals.

    Simple

    The storm caused a break in the satellite transmission for several minutes.

    In context

    The encryption protocols ensure that data transmission remains secure even when passing through public networks.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the way a disease or virus passes from one person to another.

    the passing of a pathogen or communicable disease from an infected host to another individual.

    Simple

    Wearing masks can help reduce the transmission of the flu.

    In context

    Public health officials are monitoring the rate of community transmission to determine if further restrictions are necessary.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    the part of a vehicle that moves power from the engine to the wheels.

    the assembly of gears and associated parts by which power is transmitted from the engine to a driving axle.

    Simple

    The car is making a strange noise because the transmission is broken.

    In context

    Modern automatic transmissions use sophisticated electronic sensors to optimise gear shifts for fuel efficiency.

    Usage

    In British English, 'gearbox' is the more common term for this component.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the legal right to pass property or money to an heir after death.

    the legal transfer of an inheritance, right, or privilege from a deceased person to their successor.

    Simple

    The transmission of the family estate was handled by a team of lawyers.

    In context

    The treaty governs the transmission of titles and land rights in the event of a monarch's death without a direct heir.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Academic

    the way stories, information, or beliefs are passed from one generation to the next.

    the process by which cultural knowledge, traditions, or historical texts are preserved and passed through time.

    Simple

    Oral transmission kept these ancient stories alive for hundreds of years.

    In context

    Scholars study the transmission of Greek philosophy through medieval translations to understand how these ideas reached the modern era.

    handing downpreservation

The last case there was reported on 21 June and no community transmission has been recorded.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

In its latest update, published Thursday, WHO said hidden chains of transmission are being fuelled by patients who reach advanced stages of the disease without ever receiving care.

UN News· 13 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Latin transmissionem (accusative of transmissio), from transmittere.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin transmissionem
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated