altitude
n.-
1 height above sea level (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe height of an object or place above the level of the sea.
the vertical elevation of an object or location above a given datum, typically mean sea level.
ExampleThe plane flew at an altitude of 30,000 feet to avoid the storm.
ExampleAt high altitudes, the air becomes significantly thinner, which can lead to hypoxia if climbers do not acclimatise properly before reaching the summit.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'at'.
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2 geometry (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Maththe height of a shape, like a triangle, measured from the bottom to the top point.
the perpendicular distance from the vertex of a geometric figure to the opposite side or the plane containing the base.
ExampleTo find the area of the triangle, you must first measure its altitude.
ExampleThe student calculated the area of the scalene triangle by identifying the altitude from the highest vertex to the extended base line.
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3 astronomy (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe angle of a star or planet above the horizon.
the angular distance of a celestial object above the observer's horizon, measured in degrees.
ExampleThe navigator measured the altitude of the North Star to find their position.
ExampleBy determining the altitude and azimuth of the celestial body, the researchers were able to pinpoint its exact coordinates in the night sky.
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4 high rank or status (n.) C2 Proficiency Literarya very high level of quality, rank, or importance.
a figurative height of excellence, rank, or superiority.
ExampleThe poet reached a new altitude of fame after her latest book.
ExampleFew statesmen have ever achieved such an altitude of moral authority within the international community during their own lifetimes.
From Middle English, borrowed from Latin altitūdō (“height”), from altus (“high”).