altitude

al-ti-tude · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.

  2. 2.

    [geometry]The perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the highest point.

  3. 3.

    [astronomy]The angular distance of a celestial object above the horizon.

  4. 4.

    A high or elevated place.

Forms

plural: altitudes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    high altitude — A great height above sea level.
  • •
    altitude sickness — Illness caused by reduced oxygen at high elevations.
  • •
    cruising altitude — The height at which an aircraft normally flies.
  • •
    at altitude — At a high elevation.

Related words

Antonyms: depth, lowness
See also: depth, elevation, height, level
Synonyms: elevation, height, level

Etymology

From Latin altitudo ("height, depth"), from altus ("high, deep"). Related to Old English eald ("old") in the sense of "grown up, tall."