PCM
Abbreviation with 4 meanings
| Stands for | Pulse-code modulation |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 4 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Texting & Internet Slang, Transportation & Travel, Medical |
PCM has four meanings. The most common are Pulse-code modulation (consumer electronics) and Please call me (texting and chat); it can also stand for Powertrain control module and Paracetamol.
Meanings of PCM at a glance
| # | PCM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pulse-code modulation | Technology & Computing › Consumer Electronics |
| 2 | Please call me | Texting & Internet Slang › Texting and Chat |
| 3 | Powertrain control module | Transportation & Travel › Automotive |
| 4 | Paracetamol | Medical › Drug |
1. Pulse-code modulation
Technology & Computing · Consumer Electronics Abbreviations
Standard method of representing analog audio digitally by sampling its level at regular intervals and storing each sample as a number. CDs, WAV files, Blu-ray soundtracks and digital telephone networks all use PCM.
Example: The receiver display shows "Multi Ch PCM" because the console decodes the surround audio itself.
British engineer Alec Reeves patented PCM in 1937. CD audio uses linear PCM at 16 bits and 44,100 samples per second, about 1.4 Mbit/s for stereo. Telephone networks traditionally use 8,000 samples per second at 8 bits, or 64 kbit/s per call. On AV receivers, seeing PCM means the source device decoded the audio before sending it.
2. Please call me
Texting & Internet Slang · Texting and Chat Abbreviations
Request for a phone call, often urgent, sent by text when a topic is too complicated or sensitive for typing. Common in the SMS era and among adults.
Example: Pcm when you get this, it's about Dad's appointment.
Polite but can create anxiety if sent without context, since recipients may assume bad news. Adding the reason, or "nothing urgent," helps. Related to CMB (call me back).
3. Powertrain control module
Transportation & Travel · Automotive Abbreviations
Single computer that controls both the engine and the automatic transmission, common in Ford and Chrysler vehicles. It coordinates shift timing with engine torque for smoother, more efficient operation.
Example: The transmission was slipping until the dealer reflashed the PCM under a service bulletin.
Where engine and transmission computers are separate, they are called the ECM and TCM. A failing PCM can cause stalling, erratic shifting or multiple unrelated warning lights. Replacement units often need programming with the vehicle's VIN and security data.
4. Paracetamol
Medical · Drug Abbreviations
Abbreviation for paracetamol (acetaminophen) common in India, Malaysia, Singapore and other parts of Asia, where it appears on prescriptions, hospital charts and pharmacy labels.
Example: Tab PCM 500 mg 1 tab TDS x 3 days for fever.
Paracetamol is the international nonproprietary name, while acetaminophen is used in the US, Canada and Japan; both derive from the chemical name para-acetylaminophenol. As with APAP, abbreviations can hide the drug from patients who also buy combination cold remedies containing paracetamol.
Related abbreviations
More consumer electronics abbreviations
- OSD – On-screen display
- OTA – Over-the-air broadcasting
- PAL – Phase Alternating Line
- PC – Polycarbonate
- PDA – Personal digital assistant
- PiP – Picture-in-picture
- PPI – Pixels per inch
- PVR – Personal video recorder
See all 104 consumer electronics abbreviations →
More texting and chat abbreviations
- orz – Kneeling figure (despair or defeat)
- OTOH – On the other hand
- OTP – On the phone
- OTW – On the way
- PITA – Pain in the a**
- PLS – Please
- PLZ – Please
- POS – Piece of s***
See all 215 texting and chat abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.