amplitude

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French amplitude, from Latin amplitūdō, from amplus (“large”); synchronically, ample + -itude.

noun

1. The measure of something's size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
   As the two topped the ridge there burst on them the strong scarlet light of a red-curtained English inn. It stood sideways in the road, as if standing aside in the amplitude of hospitality. 1911, G. K. Chesterton, The Innocence of Father Brown
2. (mathematics) The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.
3. (physics) The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
4. (astronomy) 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.
5. (astronomy) 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.
6. (firearms) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.