Altitude

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈælt.ɪˌtjuːd/, /ˈælt.ɪˌt͡ʃuːd/
• US IPA: /ˈælt.ɪˌtuːd/

Origin

From Middle English, from Latin altitudo ("height"), from altus ("high").

Full definition of altitude

Noun

1. The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
• 2013-06-07, David Simpson, Fantasy of navigation, Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.
2. As the altitude increases, the temperature gets lower, so remember to bring warm clothes to the mountains.
3. A vertical distance.
4. (geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.
   The perpendicular height of a triangle is known as its altitude.
5. (astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
6. Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
7. (dated, in the plural) Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
• Sir Walter ScottThe man of law began to get into his altitudes.
8. Highest point or degree.
• ShakespeareHe is proud even to the altitude of his virtue.

Anagrams

• latitude