An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. An atom or molecule responsible for an unidentified spectral feature, such as a → diffuse interstellar band.
   

2. Same as → charge carrier.
   

3. In radio or television transmission, an → electromagnetic wave whose → amplitude, → frequency, or → phase is to be varied or → modulated to transmit a signal.

Etymology (EN): Carrier, from v. carry, from M.E. carien, from O. Norm-Fr. carier “to transport in a vehicle,” from carre “cart,” from L. carrum, carrus “two-wheeled wagon,” from Gaul. karros, from PIE *krsos, from base *kers- “to run.”

Etymology (PE): Barandé “carrier,” from bordan “to carry,” Mid.Pers. burdan, O.Pers./Av. bar- “to bear, carry,” Av. barəθre “to bear (infinitive),” barəθri “a female that bears (children), a mother,” Skt. bharati “he carries,” Gk. pherein, P.Gmc. *beranan, O.H.G. beran, Goth. bairan “to carry,” O.E. beran “bear, bring, wear,” PIE root *bher-; “to carry.”