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.

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