amp

Everyday

1. Short for «ampere», the unit used to measure electric current. tree →
2. Short for «amplifier», a machine that makes sound from a guitar or microphone louder. tree →
3. (slang) «Amp up» means make something stronger or more exciting. tree →
4. (slang) «Amped» means very excited. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on electricity, current is measured in amps (A) with an ammeter. In music, a guitarist plugs into an amp. In slang, people get «amped» for a match or a concert.

Examples

• The current in the circuit was two amps. tree →
• The guitar was plugged into a huge amp. tree →
• Turn the amp down, it's too loud! tree →
• This fuse is rated at 13 amps. tree →
• The coach amped up the training before the final. tree →
• I'm so amped for the school trip! tree →

Note

Symbol for the unit is A. In maths and science problems, amps measure current; volts measure push; watts measure power (watts = volts × amps). The full word «ampere» is named after André-Marie Ampère.