English Reference
noun

amplification

n.
US /ˌæmpɫəfəˈkeɪʃən/ UK /ˌæmplɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ am·pli·fi·ca·tion UK spelling amplifications

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    the process of making a sound or an electronic signal louder or stronger.

    the act or result of increasing the magnitude of a quantity, particularly voltage, power, or current in an electronic signal.

    Simple

    The electric guitar needs amplification to be heard in a large stadium.

    In context

    Without proper signal amplification, the data transmitted from the deep-space probe would be indistinguishable from background cosmic noise.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    adding more information or explanation to a statement to make it clearer.

    the act of enlarging or adding detail to a story, statement, or argument to enhance clarity or impact.

    Simple

    The professor asked for an amplification of the points made in my essay.

    In context

    The witness provided further amplification of her initial statement, offering specific details about the timeline that had previously been omitted.

    Usage

    Can be used as a countable noun to refer to a specific addition of detail.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    making many copies of a specific piece of DNA.

    the production of multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence, typically using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

    Simple

    DNA amplification allows scientists to study very small samples of hair or skin.

    In context

    The rapid amplification of the viral genome enabled the laboratory to identify the specific strain within hours of receiving the sample.

If they can produce sufficiently strong amplification, the device could become the basis for highly adaptable new lasers.

ScienceDaily· 31 Jul 2026

From Latin amplificātiō, from amplificō (“I amplify”); see amplify. Etymology tree Latin amplus Latin -ficō Latin amplificō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin amplificātiōlbor. English amplification

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin amplificātiō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated