# amplification

/ˌæmpɫəfəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæmplɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amplification
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sound or signal

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

making many copies of a specific piece of DNA.

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

- DNA amplification allows scientists to study very small samples of hair or skin.
- The rapid amplification of the viral genome enabled the laboratory to identify the specific strain within hours of receiving the sample.

## Examples

- The guitar needs more amplification to be heard in the back.
- The stadium's sound system provides enough amplification for the music to reach every seat in the arena.
- Modern digital signal processing allows for precise amplification of specific frequencies while suppressing background noise that would otherwise distort the output.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.