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LONGITUDE
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The angular distance between a point on any meridian and the prime meridian at Greenwich
Classified under:
Nouns denoting spatial position
Hypernyms ("longitude" is a kind of...):
angular distance (the angular separation between two objects as perceived by an observer)
Derivation:
longitudinal (of or relating to lines of longitude)
Context examples:
The doctor opened the seals with great care, and there fell out the map of an island, with latitude and longitude, soundings, names of hills and bays and inlets, and every particular that would be needed to bring a ship to a safe anchorage upon its shores.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
The continent, of which this kingdom is apart, extends itself, as I have reason to believe, eastward, to that unknown tract of America westward of California; and north, to the Pacific Ocean, which is not above a hundred and fifty miles from Lagado; where there is a good port, and much commerce with the great island of Luggnagg, situated to the north-west about 29 degrees north latitude, and 140 longitude.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
This volume would have been at least twice as large, if I had not made bold to strike out innumerable passages relating to the winds and tides, as well as to the variations and bearings in the several voyages, together with the minute descriptions of the management of the ship in storms, in the style of sailors; likewise the account of longitudes and latitudes; wherein I have reason to apprehend, that Mr. Gulliver may be a little dissatisfied.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
