Dictionary
latitude
noun lat·i·tude \ˈla-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
: distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees up to 90 degrees
: an imaginary line that circles the Earth at a particular latitude and that is parallel to the equator
: freedom to choose how to act or what to do
Full Definition of LATITUDE
1
archaic : extent or distance from side to side : width
2
: angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: as a : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees b : angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic c : a region or locality as marked by its latitude
3
4
: freedom of action or choice <students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses>
— lat·i·tu·di·nal \ˌla-tə-ˈtüd-nəl, -ˈtyüd-; -ˈtü-də-nəl, -ˈtyü-\ adjective
— lat·i·tu·di·nal·ly adverb
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Illustration of LATITUDE
Origin of LATITUDE
Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavic postĭlati to spread
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to LATITUDE
- Synonyms
- slack, leeway, space, wiggle room
Other Cartography Terms
LATITUDE Defined for Kids
latitude
noun lat·i·tude \ˈla-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
Definition of LATITUDE for Kids
1
: the distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees
2
: a region marked by its distance north or south of the equator <cold latitudes>
3
: freedom to act or speak as desired <Students weren't given much latitude in deciding what to study.>
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