Am'pli-tūde, n.

(53), n. [Fr. amplitude, Pr. amplitut, Lat. amplitudo, from amplus. See AMPLE.] 1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space; largeness of dimensions. The cathedral of Lincoln . . is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese. Fuller. 2. Largeness, in a figurative sense. (a.) Extent of capacity or intellectual powers. “Amplitude of mind.” Milton. (b.) Extent of means or resources. It is in the power of princes and estates to add amplitude and greatness to their kingdoms. Bacon.

3. (Astron.) An arc of the horizon intercepted between the true east or west point and the center of the sun or a star at its rising or setting. At the rising of a star, 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.
4. (Gun.) The horizontal line subtending the path of a body thrown, or the line which measures the distance it has moved; the range.
5. (Magnetism.) The arch of the horizon between the sun or a star, at its rising or setting, and the east or west point of the horizon, by the compass. The difference between this and the true amplitude is the variation of the compass.