latitude

The definition of latitude is the measurement of a part of the Earth in relation to the north or south of the Earth's equator or the amount of freedom someone is given to deviate from a normal thought pattern or behavior.

(noun)

  1. An example of latitude is a measurement of distance from the equator.
  2. An example of latitude is when you have wide freedom to do what you would like.

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See latitude in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. Rare breadth; width
  2. Rare extent; scope; range of applicability
  3. freedom from narrow restrictions; freedom of opinion, conduct, or action
  4. Geog.
    1. angular distance, measured in degrees, north or south from the equator: a ship at forty degrees north latitude
    2. a region or place as determined by such measurement

Origin: OFr < L latitudo < latus, wide: see lateral

Related Forms:

See latitude in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. The angular distance north or south of the earth's equator, measured in degrees along a meridian, as on a map or globe.
    b. A region of the earth considered in relation to its distance from the equator: temperate latitudes.
  2. Astronomy The angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the ecliptic.
  3. Freedom from normal restraints, limitations, or regulations. See Synonyms at room.
  4. A range of values or conditions, especially the range of exposures over which a photographic film yields usable images.
  5. Extent; breadth.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, geographical latitude

Origin: , from Old French, width

Origin: , from Latin lātitūdō, width, geographical latitude

Origin: , from lātus, wide

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Related Forms:

  • latˌi·tuˈdin·al (-to͞odˈn-əl, -tyo͞odˈ-) adjective
  • latˌi·tuˈdi·nal·ly adverb

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