altitude
noun
- segment in a triangle
- height in relation to a certain reference point; (general) distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often varies according to the context
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈælt.ɪˌtjuːd/ / /ˈælt.ɪˌt͡ʃuːd/ / /ˈælt.ɪˌtuːd/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English, borrowed from Latin altitūdō (“height”), from altus (“high”).
- The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
“As the altitude increases, the temperature gets lower, so remember to bring warm clothes to the mountains.”
“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.”
- A vertical distance.
- The line perpendicularly connecting a figure’s vertex, especially a triangle’s apex, to the side opposite to the vertex.
“All three altitudes of any triangle will always meet at point known as the orthocentre or orthocenter.”
- The length of such a line; the distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the side opposite to the vertex.
“The perpendicular height of a triangle is known as its altitude.”
- The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
- Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
“Whoever has an ambition to be heard in a crowd, must press, and squeeze, and thrust, and climb, with indefatigable pains, till he has exalted himself to a certain degree of altitude above them.”
- Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
“The man of law began to get into his altitudes.”
“Is this deified passion , in its greatest altitudes , fitted to stand the day ?”
- Highest point or degree.
“He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.”
- Krull dimension.
- Height.