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altitude

altitude

noun al-tee-TEWD Rare
Travel & Places Geography

Origin: Latin altitudo (height)

Also means

height

Usage Note

altitude specifically denotes height above sea level, distinguishing it from hauteur (general height) or élévation (elevation). Pilots and mountain climbers use it constantly: prendre de l'altitude (to gain altitude). Le mal des montagnes (altitude sickness) is sometimes called le mal d'altitude.

Examples

"L'avion vole à haute altitude."

Natural Translation

The plane flies at high altitude.

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