ˌeləˈvāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English elevacioun, from Latin elevation-, elevatio, from elevatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the height to which something is elevated: as
a. : the angular distance of a celestial object above the horizon
computing the elevation of the pole
b.
(1) : the vertical pointing of an artillery piece ; also : angle of elevation
(2) : the height of an arrow's head in relation to the nock in the act of aiming
c. : the height above sea level : altitude
d.
(1) : a ballet dancer's or skater's leap and illusory suspension in the air
(2) : the ability of a dancer or skater to attain height in the air
(3) : the height in the air attained by a dancer or skater ; usually : the distance between the pointed toes and the ground
2.
a. : the act or an instance of elevating : the act of raising something from a lower to a higher level
the elevation of second-rate … scientists to posts of authority — Martin Gardner
an elevation of the eyebrows
b. often capitalized : a portion of an Eastern or Western Christian liturgy in which the priest solemnly raises one or both of the eucharistic elements for the people to view with homage or adoration
c. : something that is elevated: as
(1) : an elevated place or station : hill
an elevation of the ground
(2) : a swelling especially on the skin
3. : the condition or quality of being elevated: as
a. : the condition of being raised in rank, dignity, or importance
overjoyed at his elevation to that honorable post
b. : the state or an instance of being piously exalted or uplifted
he can never hear the Ave-Mary bell without an elevation — Douglas Bush
also : a lifting of spirits : a state of marked cheerfulness or gaiety : ebullience
he was subject to periods of elevation and wretched depression
c.
(1) : dignity or sublimity of style, mood, or thought : loftiness of tone
epics, like Greek tragedies, must be rendered with elevation — Dudley Fitts
the English translation is not good; its failure to convey the very slight elevation of tone is a fundamental failure — Allen Tate
he is always impressive, and … the foreign policy speech reaches an admirable elevation — Nation's Business
(2) : nobility of character or spirit
he had too much elevation of mind to save himself by informing against others — T.B.Macaulay
d. : a usually abnormal increase (as in degree or amount)
an elevation of the pulse rate
an elevation of temperature
4. : a grace used in old English music : slide
5. : a geometrical projection (as of a building) on a plane perpendicular to the horizon : orthographic projection on a vertical plane