amplitude

Meaning

Noun

• The measure of something's size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
• The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.
• The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
• 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.
• 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.
• The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.

Origin

• Borrowed from Middle French amplitude, from Latin amplitūdō, from amplus; synchronically, ample + -itude.