ˈlætɪtju:d n. 1 Geog. a
the angular distance on a
meridian north or
south of the
equator, expressed in degrees
and minutes. b (usu. in pl.) regions or climes,
esp.
with reference to
temperature (warm latitudes). 2
freedom from narrowness;
liberality of interpretation. 3 tolerated
variety of
action or
opinion (was allowed
much latitude). 4 Astron. the angular distance of a
celestial body or
point from the
ecliptic. øhigh latitudes regions
near the poles. low latitudes regions near the equator. øølatitudinal adj. latitudinally adv. [ME, =
breadth, f. L latitudo -dinis f. latus broad]