Definition of altitude
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Altitude (n.) 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..
Lern More About Altitude
Almucantar ::
Almucantar (n.) A small circle of the sphere parallel to the horizon; a circle or parallel of altitude. Two stars which have the same almucantar have the same altitude. See Almacantar.
Quadrant ::
Quadrant (n.) An instrument for measuring altitudes, variously constructed and mounted for different specific uses in astronomy, surveying, gunnery, etc., consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90ยก, with an index or vernier, and either plain or telescopic sights, and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction..
Altitude ::
Altitude (n.) 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..
Low ::
Low (adv.) In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; -- said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution; as, the moon runs low, that is, is comparatively near the horizon when on or near the meridian..
Dioptra ::
Dioptra (n.) An optical instrument, invented by Hipparchus, for taking altitudes, leveling, etc..
Level ::
Level (n.) An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the valley or of the sea..
Thermobarometer ::
Thermobarometer (n.) An instrument for determining altitudes by the boiling point of water.
Ring ::
Ring (n.) An instrument, formerly used for taking the sun's altitude, consisting of a brass ring suspended by a swivel, with a hole at one side through which a solar ray entering indicated the altitude on the graduated inner surface opposite..
High ::
High (superl.) Elevated above any starting point of measurement, as a line, or surface; having altitude; lifted up; raised or extended in the direction of the zenith; lofty; tall; as, a high mountain, tower, tree; the sun is high..
Nocturnal ::
Nocturnal (n.) An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea..
Culmination ::
Culmination (n.) The attainment of the highest point of altitude reached by a heavently body; passage across the meridian; transit.
Elevation ::
Elevation (n.) The distance of a celestial object above the horizon, or the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between it and the horizon; altitude; as, the elevation of the pole, or of a star..
Forestaff ::
Forestaff (n.) An instrument formerly used at sea for taking the altitudes of heavenly bodies, now superseded by the sextant; -- called also cross-staff..
Backstaff ::
Backstaff (n.) An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the heavenly bodies, but now superseded by the quadrant and sextant; -- so called because the observer turned his back to the body observed..
Degrade ::
Degrade (v. t.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down..
Quadrat ::
Quadrat (n.) An old instrument used for taking altitudes; -- called also geometrical square, and line of shadows..
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