Definition of latitude
1
: angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: such as
a
: angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees
an island located at 40 degrees north latitude
b
: a region or locality as marked by its latitude
c
: angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic
2
: freedom of action or choice
students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses
b
: the range of exposures within which a film or plate will produce a negative or positive of satisfactory quality
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for latitude
The first known use of latitude was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century