amplifier

Everyday

1. A machine that makes sounds louder, especially from guitars, microphones and music players. tree →
2. (science) Any device that makes an electric signal stronger. tree →
3. Something that makes a feeling or effect stronger. tree →

In the lessons

In music and science lessons the amplifier shows how sound is turned into electric signals, made stronger and turned back into louder sound by a speaker. In bands, guitarists plug into an «amp». Phrases: «plug into the amplifier», «turn up the amp».

Examples

• The guitarist plugged into the amplifier. tree →
• Turn the amplifier down, it's too loud! tree →
• A microphone, an amplifier and a speaker work together. tree →
• The school hall has a big amplifier for assemblies. tree →
• A hearing aid is a tiny amplifier. tree →
• Our band's amp crackled during the concert. tree →

Note

Short form: «amp» (informal; also «amp» means ampere, a unit of current). Verb: amplify (make louder or stronger). Spelling: -ifier, like «magnifier».