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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         Webster]

   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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