amplitude

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₃emh₃-der. Proto-Indo-European *h₃emh₃-lo-s Proto-Italic *amlos? Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₂énts? Proto-Indo-European *h₂m̥bʰíder. Proto-Italic *amβi Latin ambi- Proto-Indo-European *pleh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Indo-European *pl̥h₁nós Proto-Italic *plēnosder. Latin plēnus? Latin ambiplus? Latin amplus Proto-Indo-European *-tu- Proto-Indo-European *-d- Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Italic *tūdō Latin -tūdō Latin amplitūdōder. Middle French amplitudebor. English amplitude Borrowed from Middle French amplitude, from Latin amplitūdō, from amplus (“large”). By surface analysis, ample + -itude.

1. The measure of the size of something, especially its width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.

   “The cathedral of Lincoln […] is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese.”

   “amplitude of mind”

2. The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.
3. The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.
7. The range of motion of the gymnast's body while performing a skill.
8. The range of environmental conditions in which an organism can survive.