Longitude
noun · History and geography
Definition
The angle of a place east or west of the prime meridian, in degrees.
Explanation
Lines of longitude, called meridians, run between the poles.
Example
74 degrees W is west of Greenwich.
Common confusion
Lines of longitude are not parallel; they meet at the poles.
Related terms
- LatitudeThe angle of a place north or south of the equator, 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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