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Definition of latitude
1 archaic : extent or distance from side to side : width
2 : angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: such asa : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees an island located at 40 degrees north latitudeb : angular distance of a celestial body from the eclipticc : a region or locality as marked by its latitude
3a : scope, rangeb : 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
latitudinally
adverbExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of latitude in a Sentence
a map of the world showing lines of latitude and longitude
located at a latitude of 40 degrees north
Madrid and New York City are on nearly the same latitude.
islands located at different latitudes
We weren't given much latitude in deciding how to do the job.
The judge has wide latitude to reject evidence for the trial.
Recent Examples of latitude from the Web
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The Larsen A ice shelf, far closer to the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula – and therefore, warmer latitudes – collapsed in 1995.
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The global trade rules policed by the WTO grant countries wide latitude in dealing with security issues.
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But the problem with these definitions is the broad language and leeway for officer interpretation, which allows officers a special subjective latitude over what force is considered excessive.
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On rare occasions, the nighttime sky at Earth’s temperate latitudes becomes bright enough, even on moonless nights, for people to read a book.
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But a new law took effect in Georgia in April gives law enforcement more latitude to bring drug charges even when the components have been tweaked slightly.
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State law previously gave cities wide latitude on local restrictions, and Newport Beach generally banned such add-ons, except for people 55 and older.
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Overall, political comedians must be afforded extra latitude in the time of President Donald Trump.
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And Trump would have wide latitude to change his mind up until that point.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latitude'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of latitude
Origin and Etymology of latitude
Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavonic postĭlati to spread
Other Cartography Terms
LATITUDE Defined for English Language Learners
latitude
playDefinition of latitude for English Language Learners
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: distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees up to 90 degrees
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: an imaginary line that circles the Earth at a particular latitude and that is parallel to the equator
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: freedom to choose how to act or what to do
LATITUDE Defined for Kids
latitude
playDefinition of latitude for Students
1 : the distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees
2 : a region marked by its distance north or south of the equator cold latitudes
3 : freedom to act or speak as desired Students weren't given much latitude in deciding what to study.
Learn More about latitude
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for latitude Spanish Central: Translation of latitude Nglish: Translation of latitude for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of latitude for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about latitude
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