amplitude
AM-pluh-tood
/ˈæm.plə.tjuːd/
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium; breadth or spaciousness.
In physics, amplitude correlates directly with wave energy and perceived loudness.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'amplitudo', meaning 'large extent or spaciousness', built on 'amplus' (large). 17th-century astronomers used it to describe celestial positions, but 19th-century physicists repurposed it for wave motion to express peak wave displacement.
Word relationships
- magnitude: 'Magnitude' describes general size or scale, whereas 'amplitude' specifically measures maximum displacement from resting state in oscillating systems.
- breadth: 'Breadth' refers to spatial width, while 'amplitude' measures peak height or energy in wave mechanics.
- minuteness: Refers to extreme smallness, whereas amplitude measures physical height or wave energy.
Commonly confused with
- frequency: Frequency measures how many wave cycles occur per second, whereas amplitude measures how tall or powerful each individual wave is.
Word family
- amplify (verb): To increase the strength, volume, or size of something.
- amplification (noun): The act of increasing wave power or loudness.
Collocations
- wave amplitude
- maximum amplitude
- amplitude modulation
- high amplitude
Example sentences
- "Increasing the amplitude of the sound wave made the speaker cone vibrate far more violently." Physics Laboratory
- "The vast amplitude of the tsunami waves caused catastrophic coastal surge upon arrival." Oceanography
Memory hook
AMP-litude is what an AMP (amplifier) turns up when making music louder and bigger. AMPLITUDE measures wave peak height.
When not to use
Do not confuse with frequency or pitch, which measure wave repetition speed rather than height or power.
Fun facts
- Surgeons use high-amplitude ultrasonic waves in lithotripsy to shatter kidney stones without making a single surgical incision.
Related words
Explore more words
Oscillation, Amplify, resonance, damping, vibrant, diffraction
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.