amplitude

noun am·pli·tude \ -ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

Updated on: 29 Mar 2018

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 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

See amplitude defined for English-language learners

See amplitude defined for kids

Examples of amplitude in a Sentence

the amplitude of Thomas Jefferson's interests—government, architecture, agriculture, science, philosophy—is truly awesome

Recent Examples of amplitude from the Web

His flexible shaping of phrase and pulse bespoke a natural rubato that arose from within Debussy’s music rather than being imposed on it, nor was textural clarity won at the expense of coloristic detail or surging amplitude of sound.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Kavakos offers impeccable Shostakovich with CSO, but gutsy passion in short supply," 9 Mar. 2018
The elegant Emilie Gerrity, whose amplitude is growing if not yet blazing, made her debut ahead of schedule earlier in the week, filling in for Sara Mearns as the diva.

— gia kourlas, New York Times, "At New York City Ballet, Hits, Misses and Daring Dancers," 6 Mar. 2018
Sumptuous yet structured, the wine never sacrifices focus despite its pleasurable amplitude.

— bryce wiatrak, San Francisco Chronicle, "Tasting Notes: The wines of Montebello Road," 28 Feb. 2018
When such grapes are slowly coaxed through fermentation, the result is a wine with more heft and decadence of mouthfeel as well as more complexity and amplitude of flavor.

— marnie old, Philly.com, "Great Wine Values: Trimbach Pinot Gris 'Réserve'," 26 Feb. 2018
Riders were evaluated on the difficulty of the tricks, execution of the run, amplitude of the techniques and landing of the jumps.

— charlotte carroll, SI.com, "Sebastien Toutant Wins First Ever Big Air Event, American Kyle Mack Takes Silver," 23 Feb. 2018
Alex Ferreira took silver in his first Olympics after improving his score each trip down the pipe and putting down a run full of amplitude and double corks.

— rachel axon, USA TODAY, "Winter Olympics medal count: How is Team USA doing in Pyeongchang?," 22 Feb. 2018
Points are scored for amplitude, originality and quality of tricks.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "This Olympic slopestyle skier got his start at Perfect North in Indiana," 13 Feb. 2018
After crashing on his first run, White soared with his signature amplitude and used his progressive riding to secure the win.

— michelle r. martinelli, For The Win, "See Shaun White's spectacular perfect-score run that qualified him for the Olympics," 13 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amplitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.