Latitude
noun · History and geography
Definition
The angle of a place north or south of the equator, in degrees.
Explanation
Lines of latitude are parallel to each other. They range from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles.
Example
40 degrees N is in the northern hemisphere.
Common confusion
Latitude is stated before longitude.
Related terms
- LongitudeThe angle of a place east or west of the prime meridian, in degrees.
- EquatorThe line of latitude at 0 degrees that circles Earth midway between the poles.
Study guides that use this term
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