Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Amplitude?

\Am"pli*tude\, n. [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.) 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.''