n.1 Geog. a the angular distance on a meridian north or south of the equator, expressed in degrees and minutes. b (usu. in pl.) regions or climes, esp. with reference to temperature (warm latitudes).
2 freedom from narrowness; liberality of interpretation.
3 tolerated variety of action or opinion (was allowed much latitude).
4 Astron. the angular distance of a celestial body or point from the ecliptic.
Phrases and idioms:
high latitudes regions near the poles. low latitudes regions near the equator.
Derivatives:
latitudinal adj. latitudinally adv.
Etymology: ME, breadth, f. L latitudo -dinis f. latus broad