Short for amplifier, a device that increases the power of electrical signals, especially audio signals. Also short for ampere, the unit of electric current.
Shortened form of 'amplifier' (1960s) or 'ampere' (early 20th century). 'Amplifier' comes from Latin 'amplificare' meaning 'to enlarge', while 'ampere' honors French physicist André-Marie Ampère who studied electromagnetism.
The word 'amp' perfectly embodies the modern tendency to abbreviate technical terms as they become part of everyday life - from laboratory 'amplifier' to rock band 'amp'. This linguistic compression mirrors how complex technologies become so familiar that we barely need full words to describe them.
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