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REFERENCE

elevation

n.
US //ˌɛɫəˈveɪʃən// UK //ˌɛlɪvˈeɪʃən// el·e·va·tion
  1. 1 height above sea level (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the height of a place above the level of the sea.

    the vertical distance of a point or object above a reference datum, typically mean sea level.

    Example

    The map shows that the city is at an elevation of 2,000 metres.

    Example

    At this extreme elevation, the oxygen levels are significantly lower, making physical exertion difficult for those not acclimatised to the mountain air.

    Usage

    often used in geographical or technical contexts regarding terrain.
  2. 2 a high place (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a piece of ground that is higher than the area around it.

    a raised area of land or a physical eminence.

    Example

    From a slight elevation in the park, you can see the whole harbour.

    Example

    The fortress was strategically positioned on a natural elevation, providing the defenders with a clear line of sight across the surrounding plains.
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  1. 3 architectural drawing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Architecture

    a drawing that shows one side of a building as if you are looking straight at it.

    an orthographic projection of the exterior or interior faces of a building onto a vertical plane.

    Example

    The architect showed us the front elevation of our new house.

    Example

    The planning committee requested a detailed north elevation to assess how the proposed extension would affect the privacy of the neighbouring property.

    Usage

    distinguished from a 'plan', which is a top-down view.
  2. 4 promotion or rise (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of moving someone to a higher rank or more important position.

    the advancement of a person to a higher rank, status, or position of power.

    Example

    Her elevation to the board of directors surprised many of her colleagues.

    Example

    His sudden elevation to the peerage was seen by political commentators as a reward for years of loyal service to the party.
  3. 5 astronomy/ballistics (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the angle of an object above the horizon.

    the angular distance of a celestial body or a projectile above the horizon.

    Example

    The telescope was set at a sixty-degree elevation to track the star.

    Example

    The artillery officer calculated the required elevation for the cannon to ensure the shell would clear the ridge and strike the intended target.
Origin

From Old French elevation, from Latin elevatio, equal to elevate + -ion.

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