amplitude
UK: ˈæmplɪtjuːd | US: ˈæmplɪtuːd
n. 1. The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
n. 2. Greatness of size, range, or scope.
n. 3. (Mathematics) The angle between the real axis of an Argand diagram and a vector representing a complex number.
The word "amplitude" originates from Latin amplitudo, derived from amplus (meaning "large, spacious"). The suffix -itude (from Latin -itudo) forms abstract nouns denoting a state or condition. Historically, the term evolved in scientific contexts (e.g., physics) to quantify the "largeness" of waves or oscillations, later extending metaphorically to describe breadth or magnitude in other domains.
The amplitude of the sound wave determines its volume.
The amplitude of her knowledge on the subject impressed the audience.
Engineers measured the amplitude of the bridge’s vibrations during the test.
The earthquake’s amplitude was recorded at 6.5 on the Richter scale.
His speech lacked amplitude, focusing narrowly on minor details.