amplitude
nounUS /ˈæm.plɪ.tud/
Etymology Borrowed from Middle French amplitude, from Latin amplitūdō, from amplus (“large”). By surface analysis, ample + -itude.
8 senses
- 1The measure of the size of something, especially its…
- 2The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of…
- 3The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
- 4The arc of the horizon between the true east or west…
- 5The arc of the horizon between the true east or west…
- 6The horizontal line which measures the distance to which…
- 7The range of motion of the gymnast's body while…
- 8The range of environmental conditions in which an…
The measure of the size of something, especially its width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
- The cathedral of Lincoln […] is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese.1655, Thomas Fuller, The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, (please specify |book=I to XI):
- amplitude of mind1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 2:
2 more examples
- amplitude of comprehension1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC:
- As the two topped the ridge there burst on them the strong scarlet light of a red-curtained English inn. It stood sideways in the road, as if standing aside in the amplitude of hospitality.1911, G. K. Chesterton, The Innocence of Father Brown:
Mathematics, Sciences The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.
Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
Astronomy, Natural sciences The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator.
Astronomy, Natural sciences The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object.
Engineering, Firearms, Government, Military, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Politics, Tools, War, Weaponry The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.
Gymnastics, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports The range of motion of the gymnast's body while performing a skill.
- Derived terms
- amplitudal, amplitude modulation, amplitudeologist, amplitudeology, amplitude spectroscopy, amplituhedron, probability amplitude, semiamplitude, superamplitude
- Related terms
- ample, amplifiable, amplification, amplificatory, amplifier, amplify