rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylatitudePosition north or south
noun

latitude

LAT-ih-tood/ˈlætɪtuːd/

Angular distance north or south of the equator.

The globe's parallel circles mark latitude north and south of the equator.

An unlabeled globe with parallel latitude circles and a prominent equator.
Etymology
latLatinwide, broad
+itudeLatinstate or quality

The pieces express breadth or broadness. Geographic latitude originally meant the “breadth” of a map of the known world, connecting that image to distance north or south of the equator.

In context

ClickView1:14
Lines of latitude show how far a place sits north or south of the equator
Longitude and Latitude Explained: Map Skills | Geography | ClickView

More examples

  • The equator is at zero degrees latitude.
  • Winter days are shorter at higher latitudes.
  • The GPS displays both latitude and longitude.

Forms

latitude · latitudes

latitudinal adjective — Relating to angular distance from the equator.