altitude

Etymology

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

noun

1. The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
   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. 2013-06-07, David Simpson, “Fantasy of navigation”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 26, page 36
2. A vertical distance.
3. (geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.
   The perpendicular height of a triangle is known as its altitude.
4. (astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
5. Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
6. (dated, in the plural) Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
7. Highest point or degree.