- Geographical latitude
- Latitude Lat"i*tude, n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus
broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a
given point or line; breadth; width.
[1913 Webster]
Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part. --Sir H. Wotton. [1913 Webster]
2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. [1913 Webster]
In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. [1913 Webster]
No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]
4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. [1913 Webster]
I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian. [1913 Webster]
6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. [1913 Webster]
{Ascending latitude}, {Circle of latitude}, {Geographical latitude}, etc. See under {Ascending}. {Circle}, etc.
{High latitude}, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle.
{Low latitude}, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.