altitude
/'æltitju:d/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
- the perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex (or side if parallel)
- elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
- the altitude gave her a headache