Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Latitude

1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width. Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part. (Sir H. Wotton)

2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged. (Jer. Taylor)

3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations. (Fuller)

4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude. (Locke)

5. (Science: geography) distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian.

6. (Science: astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. Ascending latitude, circle of latitude, geographical latitude, etc. See ascending. Circle, etc. High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, especially. That part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator.

Origin: f. Latitude, L. Latitudo, fr. Latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. Akin to E. Strew.