amplitude
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (3)
- (physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic waveType of shift, displacement
- the property of copious abundanceSynonyms: bountifulnessbountyType of abundance, copiousness
- greatness of magnitudeType of magnitudeKinds signal level, noise level
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. amplitudo, fr. amplus: cf. F. amplitude. See Ample.
1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space; largeness of dimensions; size.
The cathedral of Lincoln... is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese.— Thomas Fuller
2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance; fullness. (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers. “Amplitude of mind.” John Milton “Amplitude of comprehension.” Thomas Babington Macaulay (b) Of extent of means or resources. “Amplitude of reward.” Francis, Baron Verulam Bacon
3. Astronomy (a) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator. (b) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object.
4. Gunnery The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.
5. Physics The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; — applied especially to vibratory movements.
6. math. An angle upon which the value of some function depends; — a term used more especially in connection with elliptic functions.
Magnetic amplitude, the angular distance of a heavenly body, when on the horizon, from the magnetic east or west point as indicated by the compass. The difference between the magnetic and the true or astronomical amplitude (see 3 above) is the “variation of the compass.”
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54