amplification

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an act, example, or product of amplifying

b

: a usually massive replication of genetic material and especially of a gene or DNA sequence (as in a polymerase chain reaction)

2

a

: the particulars by which a statement is expanded

b

: an expanded statement

Examples of amplification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no amplification beyond the terminal’s own strange acoustics. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

Some research groups have tried linking several short crystals in sequence so each crystal handles part of the amplification. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

The new study used sequencing and amplification technology only recently made available to look at the genes of single cells in hundreds of neurons in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain used for decision-making and other thinking skills. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

For further amplification on that principle, please refer to the current administration. —Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amplificātiōn-, amplificātiō "act of making greater, enlarging upon (in rhetoric)," from amplificāre "to increase the size of, amplify" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing amplification

• amplification host

Rhymes for amplification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

amplification

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: an act, example, or product of amplifying

Medical Definition

amplification

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an act, example, or product of amplifying

2

: a usually massive replication of genetic material and especially of a gene or DNA sequence (as in a polymerase chain reaction)