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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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The cathedral of Lincoln . . . is a magnificent
structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the
diocese. --Fuller.
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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.
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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.
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4. (Gun.) The horizontal line which measures the distance to
which a projectile is thrown; the range.
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5. (Physics) The extent of a movement measured from the
starting point or position of equilibrium; -- applied
especially to vibratory movements.
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6. (math.) An angle upon which the value of some function
depends; -- a term used more especially in connection with
elliptic functions.
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{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."
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