ˈaltəˌtüd, -ə.ˌtyüd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin altitudo, from alti- + -tudo -tude
1.
a. : the angular elevation of a celestial object above the horizon measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between the object and the horizon
b. : the vertical elevation of an object above a given level (as a foundation, the ground, or sea level)
a city with an altitude of 2547 feet
c.
(1) : a perpendicular line segment from a vertex of a geometric figure (as a triangle or pyramid) to the opposite side or the opposite side extended or from a side or face to a parallel side or face or the side or face extended
(2) : the length of an altitude
(3) : a line that is an extension of an altitude
2. : the height or an extremity of some quality or degree of excellence
the altitude of passion
standards in the College have been rising, and … despite their present altitude , they continue to rise — N.M. Pusey
3.
a. : vertical distance or extent : height or depth
altitude of the fluid in the tube
b.
(1) : position at a height
the plane lost altitude rapidly
(2) : exalted position (as in rank or power)
a command issued from the altitude of the general staff
c. : an alevated region : eminence — usually used in plural
mountain altitudes
4. altitudes plural , archiac : haughty airs : pomposity