amplitude

noun

am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌtüd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: such as
a
: the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme
b
: the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value
2
: extent of dignity, excellence, or splendor
3
: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance
… the long unerring lines, the sweep and amplitude of the great artist's stroke …Edith Wharton
4
mathematics : the angle assigned to a complex number when it is plotted in a complex plane using polar coordinates

called also argument

compare absolute value sense 2
5
: the height achieved on a jump by a snowboarder, skateboarder, skier, etc.
" … a lot of my strength in snowboarding is my amplitude … "Shaun White

Examples of amplitude in a Sentence

the amplitude of Thomas Jefferson's interests—government, architecture, agriculture, science, philosophy—is truly awesome
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The amplitudes take the form of fractions, with a numerator above a denominator. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 This suggests that our brain associates slower, more regular changes in amplitude with music and faster, irregular changes with speech. Andrew Chang, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2024 Andrade can execute a Cheng that outshines Biles with its amplitude and technique. Emily Giambalvo, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024 During the competition, riders get two descents, and a panel of judges scores them on a set of criteria: amplitude (or air time), fluidity and control, tricks and style, and line choice. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amplitude 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin amplitūdin-, amplitūdō "size, extent, eminence, prestige," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample, eminent" + -i- -i- + -tūdin-, -tūdō -tude

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplitude was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near amplitude

Cite this Entry

“Amplitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplitude. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

amplitude

noun
am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance
2
3
a
: the extent of a back-and-forth movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the midpoint to an extreme
b
: one half of the up-and-down extent of the vibration of a wave (as of alternating current)

Medical Definition

amplitude

noun
am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
: the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: as
a
: the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme
b
: the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value

More from Merriam-Webster on amplitude

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