altitude

[al-ti-tood, -tyood]

noun

1. the height of anything above a given planetary reference plane, especially above sea level on earth.

   Synonyms: elevation

2. extent or distance upward; height.

   Antonyms: depth

3. Astronomy.,  the angular distance of a heavenly body above the horizon.

4. Geometry.

   1. the perpendicular distance from the vertex of a figure to the side opposite the vertex.

   2. the line through the vertex of a figure perpendicular to the base.

5. Usually altitudes. a high place or region.

   mountain altitudes.

6. high or important position, rank, etc.

altitude

/ ˈæltɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the vertical height of an object above some chosen level, esp above sea level; elevation

2. geometry the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the base of a geometrical figure or solid

3. Also called: elevation. astronomy nautical the angular distance of a celestial body from the horizon measured along the vertical circle passing through the body Compare azimuth

4. surveying the angle of elevation of a point above the horizontal plane of the observer

5. (often plural) a high place or region

altitude

1. The height of an object or structure above a reference level, usually above sea level or the Earth's surface.

2. Astronomy,  The position of a celestial object above an observer's horizon, measured in degrees along a line between the horizon (0°) and the zenith (90°). Unlike declination and celestial latitude —the corresponding points in other celestial coordinate systems—the altitude of star or other celestial object is dependent on an observer's geographic location and changes steadily as the sky passes overhead due to the rotation of the Earth.

3. Astronomy,  See more at altazimuth coordinate system

4. Mathematics,  The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure, such as a triangle, to the opposite vertex, side, or surface.

Other Word Forms

• altitudinal adjective
• altitudinous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of altitude¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin altitūdō; alti-, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of altitude¹

C14: from Latin altitūdō, from altus high, deep

Synonym Study

See height.

Example Sentences

He had lived the kind of life that would lead him to believe such a trip at altitudes of 9000 feet was a reasonable feat to attempt at age 78.

From Los Angeles Times

The longest stage of this year's race at 206km, it featured over 3,000m of altitude packed largely into the first half of the day.

From BBC

As the smoke rises, water vapor in the air condenses at high altitudes, creating what is known as a pyrocumulus cloud, or fire cloud.

From Los Angeles Times

The visit to Lhasa, which sits at an altitude that could pose health problems for the 72-year-old, suggests a desire to stamp his authority over the region.

From BBC

Between the gym and the pool area is a 'high altitude room' containing bikes and rowing machines in which the oxygen levels can be adjusted.

From BBC

Related Words

• distance 
• elevation 
• peak