lat·i·tude 
/ˈlætəˌtu:d, Brit ˈlætəˌtju:d/ noun
plural lat·i·tudes /ˈlætəˌtu:d, Brit ˈlætəˌtju:d/ noun 1 a : distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees up to 90 degrees [noncount] ▪ a map of the world showing lines of latitude and longitude ▪ an island located at 40 degrees north latitude [=at a point 40 degrees north of the equator] [count] ▪ located at a latitude of 40 degrees north — compare longitude 1
b [count] : an imaginary line that circles the Earth at a particular latitude and that is parallel to the equator
▪ Madrid and New York City are on nearly the same latitude. ▪ islands located at different latitudes ▪ The star is only seen from the northern latitudes. [=the northern parts of the world] — compare longitude 2 2 [noncount] somewhat formal : freedom to choose how to act or what to do
▪ We weren't given much latitude in deciding how to do the job. ▪ The judge has wide/considerable latitude to reject evidence for the trial.
b [count] : an imaginary line that circles the Earth at a particular latitude and that is parallel to the equator
▪ Madrid and New York City are on nearly the same latitude. ▪ islands located at different latitudes ▪ The star is only seen from the northern latitudes. [=the northern parts of the world] — compare longitude 2
▪ We weren't given much latitude in deciding how to do the job. ▪ The judge has wide/considerable latitude to reject evidence for the trial.
— lat·i·tu·di·nal /ˌlætəˈtu:dənəl, Brit ˌlætəˈtju:dənəl/ adjective
