altitude

/'æltitju:d/
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Thân thiện
altitude

The pilot checks the plane's altitude on the instrument panel.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Height above a given level, especially above sea level: The vertical distance of an object or point in relation to a specified reference point, most commonly mean sea level.
    • The perpendicular distance from the base to the highest point of a geometric figure: In geometry, the shortest distance from the base of a shape (like a triangle) to the opposite vertex or the line containing the opposite side.
    • Angular height above the horizon: In astronomy and navigation, the angle between an object in the sky and the observer's horizon.
Usage
  • General/Geographic Context: Used to describe how high something is above the ground or sea level.
    • The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.
    • The city has a high altitude, which affects its climate.
  • Geometric Context: Used to describe a specific measurement in shapes.
    • Calculate the area of the triangle using its base and altitude.
  • Astronomical Context: Used to describe the position of celestial bodies.
    • The altitude of the sun was low at sunset.
Advanced Usage
  • "To gain altitude": To increase height, especially in aviation.
    • The pilot had to gain altitude quickly to avoid the mountain.
  • "To lose altitude": To decrease height.
    • The glider began to lose altitude as the thermal currents weakened.
  • "High-altitude": (As a compound adjective) Occurring at or characteristic of a great height.
    • High-altitude training is used by some athletes.
Variants and Related Words
  • Altitudinal (adj): Relating to or varying with altitude.
    • There is an altitudinal variation in plant species.
  • Altimeter (n): An instrument for measuring altitude.
    • The pilot checked the altimeter.
Synonyms
  • Height: The measurement from base to top.
  • Elevation: Height above a given level, especially sea level.
  • Pinnacle: The most successful point; the culmination (metaphorical for a high point).
Antonyms
  • Depth: The distance from the top down to the bottom of something.
Related Phrases/Idioms
  • "Thin air": (Often used with "high altitude") Refers to the reduced oxygen levels at high elevations.
    • At that altitude, the air is thin and hard to breathe.
altitude

The pilot checks the plane's altitude on the instrument panel.

Noun
  1. angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  2. the perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex (or side if parallel)
  3. elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
    • the altitude gave her a headache