Latitude
Latitude , noun
[French latitude, Latin latitudo, from latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to English strew.]
1.
Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width.
Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part.
2.
Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence.
In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged.
3.
Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.
No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations.
4.
Extent; size; amplitude; scope.
I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude.
5.
(Geography) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian.
6.
(Astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic.
Collocations (3)
Ascending latitude or Circle of latitude or Geographical latitude , etc. See under Ascending. Circle, etc.
High latitude , that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle.
Low latitude , that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator.