AMPLITUDE

amplitude

(noun) greatness of magnitude

amplitude, bountifulness, bounty

(noun) the property of copious abundance

amplitude

(noun) (physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

amplitude (countable and uncountable, plural amplitudes)

The measure of something's size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.

(mathematics) The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.

(physics) The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.

(astronomy) 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.

(astronomy) 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.

(firearms) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.

Source: Wiktionary


Am"pli*tude, n. Etym: [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. Fuller.

2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance; fullness. (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers. "Amplitude of mind." Milton. "Amplitude of comprehension." Macaulay. (b) Of extent of means or resources. "Amplitude of reward." Bacon.

3. (Astron.) (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. (Gun.)

Definition: The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.

5. (Physics)

Definition: The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; -- applied especially to vibratory movements.

6. (math.)

Definition: 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."

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

30 April 2024

NURSE

(verb) treat carefully; “He nursed his injured back by lying in bed several hours every afternoon”; “He nursed the flowers in his garden and fertilized them regularly”


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Coffee Trivia

Plain brewed coffee contains almost no calories, while coffee with dairy products, sugar, and other flavorings is much higher in calories. An espresso has 20 calories. A nonfat latte has 72, while a flavored one has 134.

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