LATITUDE Meaning and
Definition
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Latitude is a geographical term that refers to the angular distance, measured in degrees, between a specific location and the equator. It is one of the two components of the geographic coordinate system used to determine the position of a point on the Earth's surface, the other being longitude. While longitude measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian, latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator.
The equator is defined as 0 degrees latitude and is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. As one moves towards the North Pole, latitude increases up to 90 degrees at the pole, and similarly, as one moves towards the South Pole, latitude decreases up to -90 degrees at the pole.
Latitude plays a crucial role in determining climate, as it affects the distribution of sunlight received at different parts of the planet. Areas closer to the equator, with lower latitudes, generally experience warmer temperatures due to receiving more direct sunlight. On the other hand, areas near the poles, with higher latitudes, receive sunlight at an oblique angle, resulting in colder temperatures.
Furthermore, latitude is also crucial in navigation and cartography, as it aids in identifying and locating specific places on the Earth's surface. It is commonly denoted in degrees, minutes, and seconds for precise measurements.
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On the earth, the distance of any place in a direct line north or south from the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds,-if in the northern hemisphere, it is said to be in north latitude, if in the southern, south latitude; unrestrained meaning or freedom; laxity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of LATITUDE
The word "latitude" comes from the Latin word "latitudo", which means "breadth" or "width". It is derived from the Latin word "latus", meaning "wide" or "broad". The term was initially used in astronomy to refer to the measurement of angular distance from the equator, but its meaning expanded over time to include various other contexts, such as geographic latitude and freedom or flexibility in thought or action.
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