altitude

Definition

The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.

Etymology

From Middle English, borrowed from Latin altitūdō (“height”), from altus (“high”).

Example Sentences

• "As the altitude increases, the temperature gets lower, so remember to bring warm clothes to the mountains."
• "Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth."
• "The technique would involve spraying large amounts of sulfate particles into the Earth’s lower stratosphere at altitudes as high as 12 miles. The scientists propose delivering the sulfates with specially designed high-altitude aircraft, balloons or large naval-style guns."