amplitude

[ am-pli-tood, -tyood ]
/ ˈæm plɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

Origin of amplitude

From the Latin word amplitūdō, dating back to 1540–50. See ample, -i-, -tude

Example sentences from the Web for amplitude

British Dictionary definitions for amplitude

amplitude
/ (ˈæmplɪˌtjuːd) /

noun

greatness of extent; magnitude
abundance or copiousness
breadth or scope, as of the mind
astronomy the angular distance along the horizon measured from true east or west to the point of intersection of the vertical circle passing through a celestial body
Also called: argument maths (of a complex number) the angle that the vector representing the complex number makes with the positive real axis. If the point (x, y) has polar coordinates (r, θ), the amplitude of x + i y is θ, that is, arctan y/x Compare modulus (def. 2) See also Argand diagram
physics the maximum variation from the zero or mean value of a periodically varying quantity

Word Origin for amplitude

C16: from Latin amplitūdō breadth, from amplus spacious

Scientific definitions for amplitude

amplitude
[ ămplĭ-tōōd′ ]

Physics One half the full extent of a vibration, oscillation, or wave. The amplitude of an ocean wave is the maximum height of the wave crest above the level of calm water, or the maximum depth of the wave trough below the level of calm water. The amplitude of a pendulum swinging through an angle of 90° is 45°. Compare frequency.
Electronics The amount by which a voltage or current changes from zero or an average value.

Cultural definitions for amplitude

amplitude

In physics, the height of a crest (or the depth of a trough) of a wave.