Definition of altitude

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< altiplano

altitude sickness >

al·ti·tude    (lt-td, -tyd) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The height of a thing above a reference level, especially above sea level or above the earth's surface. See Synonyms at elevation.
2. A high location or area.
3. Astronomy The angular distance of a celestial object above the horizon.
4. Mathematics The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex, parallel side, or parallel surface.
5. High position or rank.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Latin altitd, from altus, high; see al-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
alti·tudi·nal  (-tdn-l, -tyd-) KEY (Adjective)