Main Entry:

height

Pronunciation:

\ˈhīt, ÷ˈhītth\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English heighthe, from Old English hīehthu; akin to Old High German hōhida height, Old English hēah high

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: the highest part : summit b: highest or most advanced point : zenith <at the height of his powers>2 a: the distance from the bottom to the top of something standing upright b: the extent of elevation above a level3: the condition of being tall or high4 a: an extent of land rising to a considerable degree above the surrounding country b: a high point or position5obsolete : an advanced social rank

synonyms height, altitude, elevation mean vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it. height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low <a wall two meters in height>. altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land <fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters> <Denver is a city with a high elevation>.