Main Entry: lat·i·tude

Pronunciation: \ˈla-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavic postĭlati to spread

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : extent or distance from side to side : width
2 : angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: as a : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees b : angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic c : a region or locality as marked by its latitude
3 a : scope, range b : the range of exposures within which a film or plate will produce a negative or positive of satisfactory quality
4 : freedom of action or choice <students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses>

— lat·i·tu·di·nal \ˌla-tə-ˈtüd-nəl, -ˈtyüd-; -ˈtü-də-nəl, -ˈtyü-\ adjective

— lat·i·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

[latitude illustration]