Meaning & use
amp
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Meanings
nouncountablephysics
The standard unit for measuring how much electric current flows, short for ampere.
Grammar: Often follows a number: a 13-amp fuse. Written An as a symbol.
Patterns
- a 10-amp something
- measured in amps
The kettle draws about ten amps when it is on.
A 13-amp fuse protects the plug from overloading.
The charger delivers two amps to the phone.
nouncountableinformal
A device that makes sound signals stronger so they can be played through speakers, short for amplifier.
Grammar: Informal: the guitarist turned up his amp.
Patterns
- turn up the amp
- plug into an amp
He plugged his guitar into a small amp and played a few chords.
The band's amp broke just before the show.
She bought a used amp for her electric bass.
verbphrasal verbinformal
To increase the strength, energy or level of something, usually with up.
Grammar: Almost always amp up: amp up the volume, or amp someone up.
Patterns
- amp something up
- amp up something
The coach amped up the team before the final.
They amped up security after the threat.
Don't amp the volume up too high.
Word forms
| plural | amps |
|---|---|
| third person singular | amps |
| past tense | amped |
| -ing form | amping |
Common combinations
- 13-amp fuse
- Replace the blown fuse with a 13-amp fuse.
- guitar amp
- The guitar amp hummed when he turned it on.
- amp up
- Marketing teams amp up their campaigns before the holidays.
- turn up the amp
- Turn up the amp so the people at the back can hear.
- amps and volts
- Electricians must understand the difference between amps and volts.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ampere
- Ampere is the full formal name of the unit, used in science and textbooks, while amp is everyday shorthand.
- amplifier
- Amplifier is the full word for the device and is used in shops and manuals, whereas amp is casual.
- boost
- Boost, for the verb sense, is more neutral than amp up and works in formal writing.
Word family
Commonly confused: amp or volt? amp or watt?
amp vs volt
A volt measures electrical pressure, while an amp measures the flow of current.
amp vs watt
A watt measures power, which equals volts multiplied by amps.
Practice
Which unit measures the flow of electric current?
Choose one answer.
An amp measures current. A volt measures electrical pressure, a watt power and an ohm resistance.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “amp”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.