Amplify
(Am"pli*fy) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amplified ; p. pr. & vb. n. Amplifying.] [F. amplifier, L. amplificare.
See Ample, -fy.]
1. To render larger, more extended, or more intense, and the like; — used especially of telescopes, microscopes,
etc.
2. (Rhet.) To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations,
etc.; to expand; to make much of.
Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator.
Dryden.
Amplify
(Am"pli*fy) v. i.
1. To become larger. [Obs.]
Strait was the way at first, withouten light,
But further in did further amplify.
Fairfax.
2. To speak largely or copiously; to be diffuse in argument or description; to dilate; to expatiate; — often
with on or upon. Watts.
He must often enlarge and amplify upon the subject he handles.
South.
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.
The cathedral of Lincoln . . . is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese.
Fuller.
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.
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.
4. (Gun.) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.
5. (Physics) The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; —
applied especially to vibratory movements.
6. (math.) An angle upon which the value of some function depends; — a term used more especially in
connection with elliptic functions.
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."
Amply
(Am"ply) adv. In an ample manner.
Ampul
(Am"pul) n. [AS. ampella, ampolla, L. ampulla: cf. OF. ampolle, F. ampoule.] Same as Ampulla,
2.
Ampulla
(||Am*pul"la), n.; pl. Ampullæ [L. ]
