Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Altitude
1.
Space extended upward; height; the perpendicular elevation of an object above its foundation, above the ground, or above a given level, or of one object above another;
as, the
. altitude
of a mountain, or of a bird above the top of a tree2.
(Astron.)
The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon. It is either true or apparent; true when measured from the rational or real horizon, apparent when from the sensible or apparent horizon.
3.
(Geom.)
The perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the summit, or to the side parallel to the base;
as, the
altitude
of a triangle, pyramid, parallelogram, frustum, etc.4.
Height of degree; highest point or degree.
He is [proud] even to the
altitude
of his virtue. Shakespeare
5.
Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
Swift.
6.
pl.
Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
[Colloq.]
Richardson.
The man of law began to get into his
altitude
. Sir W. Scott.
Meridian altitude
, an arc of the meridian intercepted between the south point on the horizon and any point on the meridian. See
Meridian
, 3.Webster 1828 Edition
Altitude
AL'TITUDE
,Noun.
1.
Space extended upward; height; the elevation of an object above its foundation; as, the altitude of a mountain, or column; or the elevation of an object or place above the surface on which we stand, or above the earth; as, the altitude of a cloud or a meteor; or the elevation of one object above another; as, of a bird above the top of a a tree.2.
The elevation of a point, a star, or other object above the horizon. This is true or apparent altitude; true, when taken from the rational or real horizon; apparent, when taken from the sensible, or apparent horizon.3.
Figuratively, high degree; superior excellence; highest point of excellence.He is proud to the altitude of his virtue.
The altitude of the eye, in perspective, is a right line let fall from the eye, perpendicular to the geometrical plane.
Meridian altitude is an arch of the meridian between the horizon and any star or point on the meridian.