amplification

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
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
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.
But because these forays into pop vocals require close amplification, instances of more operatic singing sounded awkwardly compressed by the sound technology. Corinna Da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Some studies suggest that rapid Arctic warming, known as Arctic amplification, reduces the temperature gradient between the Arctic and mid-latitudes, potentially leading to a more meandering jet stream. Jim Foerster, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 So, while Trump finds refuge and amplification in friendly ports––Fox News, Newsmax, Joe Rogan’s podcast, Elon Musk’s X–––he has increasingly made plain his intent on doing battle with the rest from a position of strength. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2024 On the other hand, there’s something truly noteworthy in Eggers’s amplification of Murnau’s story. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amplification 

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

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplification was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near amplification

Cite this Entry

“Amplification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplification. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

amplification

noun
am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
: an act, example, or product of amplifying

Medical Definition

amplification

noun
am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!