Latitude

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavic postĭlati to spread

• Date: 14th century

Definitions

• 1 archaic : extent or distance from side to side : width
• 2 : angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: as a : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees

b : angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic

c : a region or locality as marked by its latitude

• 3 a : scope, range

b : the range of exposures within which a film or plate will produce a negative or positive of satisfactory quality

• 4 : freedom of action or choice <students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses>