What does the term augmented refer to in music?

In music, the term "augmented" typically refers to an increase or enlargement of a musical element. Specifically, in the context of intervals and chords, an augmented interval is one that is made larger than its perfect or major counterpart. For instance, an augmented triad consists of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth, which is a half step higher than a perfect fifth. This concept of enlargement conveys a sense of tension and brightness in music, which composers often exploit for emotional effect. Therefore, understanding that "augmented" signifies an increase in size, whether it be in intervals or chords, is key to grasping its application in music theory.