Lamarr termed the technique "frequency hopping, " a forerunner of the spread-spectrum technology that is used today in communications applications such as Wi-Fi.

WSJ: Book Review: Hedy's Folly

The NPR post notes that the technology discussed in the patent, called spread-spectrum radio, is the basis for a wide variety of modern radio technologies, including the Bluetooth wireless standard used for things like wireless keyboards and earphones.

FORBES: Hedy Lamarr, The Most Glamorous Geek Of All Time

As you have said, in 1940 Hedy Lamar (Obituary, January 29th) and a film-score composer, George Antheil, developed the technology, then called spread spectrum.

ECONOMIST: Letters | The