amplitude

views updated May 14 2018

am·pli·tude / ˈampliˌt(y)oōd/ • n. 1. Physics the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. ∎  the maximum difference of an alternating electrical current or potential from the average value.2. Astron. the angular distance of a celestial object from the true east or west point of the horizon at rising or setting.3. breadth, range, or magnitude: the amplitude of the crime of manslaughter lies beneath murder.4. Math. the angle between the real axis of an Argand diagram and a vector representing a complex number.

amplitude

views updated May 08 2018

amplitude
1. Of a fold, the height of the maximum displacement of a folded layer measured from a median trace which passes through the inflexion points of adjacent limbs.

2. Of a wave, the distance between the highest point of the wave and the position of zero displacement.

amplitude

views updated May 14 2018

amplitude See signal.