amplifier

USAGE SUMMARY

"amplifier" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a device that increases the strength of a sound or signal, or metaphorically to represent a person or thing that increases the force, effect, or magnitude of something. Example sentence: The speaker was connected to an amplifier, making the music heard all around the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Principal components are a microphone that converts sound into a varying electrical current, an amplifier that amplifies this current, and an earphone that converts the amplified current into a sound of greater intensity than the original.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without mirrors and a resonant cavity, a laser would just be an optical amplifier, which can amplify light from an external source but not generate a beam internally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Care is required to avoid any changes in the DC operating conditions of the first amplifier; such changes will cause an amplified change in the DC conditions of the second one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first, devices that needed to amplify a signal such as radios and the first, lumbering computers used the vacuum-tube amplifier.

The Economist

That's how Steve Jobs, the charismatic boss of Apple, learned his trade.After many years of listening pleasure, your correspondent's Heathkit amplifier was finally replaced with a solid-state Sony system that came with all the bells and whistles for playing CDs as well as vinyl records.

The Economist

The team's next step will be to develop just such an amplifier, in conjunction with commercial partners.But if a cheap, efficient EEG can be made, the potential applications are boundless.

The Economist

For instance, a German physicist named Robert Wichard Pohl made a solid-state amplifier in 1938 using salt as the semiconductor.

The Economist

The interesting distorted guitar on the track, an innovation in itself, was another piece of happenstance: somebody dropped the amplifier, or the rain leaked in on it, as the band drove from Clarksdale to Memphis.Yet whatever Mr Turner drifted into so easily had a knack of turning bad or getting complicated.

The Economist

Other commercial organisations involved in this burgeoning field are the Swiss company K-Team (which developed the robot used by the Georgia Tech group) and a German firm called Multi Channel Systems (which developed the multi-electrode array dishes and amplifier used by the group).But before neural prostheses hit the market, numerous technical and ethical issues have to be dealt with.

The Economist

Moreover, it acts as yet another amplifier when trouble does hit.

The Economist

So you need a powerful low-noise amplifier".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, ensure you define what signal the "amplifier" is boosting (e.g., voltage, current, power) for precise communication.

Common error

Avoid using "amplifier" generically when a more specific term (like "preamplifier", "power amplifier", or "instrument amplifier") would provide more accurate information. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The term "amplifier" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a device or component that increases the strength of a signal, be it electrical, sound, or light. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from audio equipment to electronic circuits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "amplifier" is a versatile noun denoting a device that increases the strength of a signal, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in encyclopedic and news contexts, its usage ranges from describing audio equipment to intricate electronic circuits. To be clear, when writing about sound setups, specify the "amplifier" type (guitar "amplifier", stereo "amplifier", etc) and when writing technical content, define what signal the "amplifier" boosts (voltage, current, power, etc). Steer clear from generalizations to maintain clarity. In essence, "amplifier" is a fundamental term in electronics and audio engineering, integral for understanding and describing signal enhancement technologies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

audio amplifier

Specifies the type of amplifier used for audio signals, commonly used in sound systems.

power amplifier

Focuses on increasing the power of a signal, often used in electronics.

signal booster

Specifically refers to enhancing signal strength, commonly used in telecommunications.

volume increaser

Directly refers to increasing the loudness of sound.

boosting device

Focuses on the action of increasing signal strength, applicable in technical contexts.

optical amplifier

Refers to amplifying light signals, especially in fiber optics communication.

sound enhancer

Implies improving the quality or clarity of sound, rather than just volume.

gain stage

A technical term referring to a circuit that increases the amplitude of a signal.

intensifier

Highlights the action of making something more intense or pronounced.

magnifier

Stresses the expansion or enlargement of something, either literally or figuratively.

FAQs

How is "amplifier" used in electronics?

In electronics, an "amplifier" is a circuit or device that increases the amplitude of a signal. There are various types, such as audio amplifiers for sound, and optical "optical amplifiers" for light signals.

What are some common types of "amplifiers"?

Common types of "amplifiers" include audio amplifiers (for sound systems), instrument amplifiers (for musical instruments), and radio frequency amplifiers (for radio signals). Each is designed for specific applications and frequencies.

What can I say instead of "amplifier" when talking about sound?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "sound enhancer", "signal booster", or "volume increaser" to describe something that makes sound louder or clearer.

What is the role of an "amplifier" in a hearing aid?

In a hearing aid, the "amplifier" increases the strength of sound signals, making them audible to individuals with hearing loss. The "amplifier" boosts the signal captured by the microphone before it's delivered to the ear.