*tude*

n. [ L. acritudo, from acer sharp. ] Acridity; pungency joined with heat. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. altitudo, fr. altus high. Cf. Altar, Haughty, Enhance. ] 1. Space extended upward; height; the perpendicular elevation of an object above its foundation, above the ground, or above a given level, or of one object above another; as, the altitude of a mountain, or of a bird above the top of a tree. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Astron.) The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon. It is either true or apparent; true when measured from the rational or real horizon, apparent when from the sensible or apparent horizon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Geom.) The perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the summit, or to the side parallel to the base; as, the altitude of a triangle, pyramid, parallelogram, frustum, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Height of degree; highest point or degree. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is [ proud ] even to the altitude of his virtue. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Height of rank or excellence; superiority. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. pl. Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs. [ Colloq. ] Richardson. [ 1913 Webster ]

The man of law began to get into his altitude. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

Meridian altitude, an arc of the meridian intercepted between the south point on the horizon and any point on the meridian. See Meridian, 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. amaritudo, fr. amarus bitter: cf. OF. amaritude. ] Bitterness. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. amplitudo, fr. amplus: cf. F. amplitude. See Ample. ] 1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space; largeness of dimensions; size. [ 1913 Webster ]

The cathedral of Lincoln . . . is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance; fullness. (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers. “Amplitude of mind.” Milton. “Amplitude of comprehension.” Macaulay. (b) Of extent of means or resources. “Amplitude of reward.” Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Astron.) (a) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator. (b) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Gun.) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Physics) The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; -- applied especially to vibratory movements. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (math.) An angle upon which the value of some function depends; -- a term used more especially in connection with elliptic functions. [ 1913 Webster ]

Magnetic amplitude, the angular distance of a heavenly body, when on the horizon, from the magnetic east or west point as indicated by the compass. The difference between the magnetic and the true or astronomical amplitude (see 3 above) is the “variation of the compass.” [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. anxietudo. ] The state of being anxious; anxiety. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. aptitude, LL. aptitudo, fr. L. aptus. See Apt, and cf. Attitude. ] 1. A natural or acquired disposition or capacity for a particular purpose, or tendency to a particular action or effect; as, oil has an aptitude to burn. [ 1913 Webster ]

He seems to have had a peculiar aptitude for the management of irregular troops. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A general fitness or suitableness; adaptation. [ 1913 Webster ]

That sociable and helpful aptitude which God implanted between man and woman. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Readiness in learning; docility; aptness. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was a boy of remarkable aptitude. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. assuetudo, fr. assuetus accustomed. ] Accustomedness; habit; habitual use. [ 1913 Webster ]

Assuetude of things hurtful doth make them lose their force to hurt. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ It. attitudine, LL. aptitudo, fr. L. aptus suited, fitted: cf. F. attitude. Cf. Aptitude. ] 1. (Paint. & Sculp.) The posture, action, or disposition of a figure or a statue. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The posture or position of a person or an animal, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; position assumed or studied to serve a purpose; as, a threatening attitude; an attitude of entreaty. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Fig.: Position as indicating action, feeling, or mood; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude; one's mental attitude in respect to religion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The attitude of the country was rapidly changing. J. R. Green. [ 1913 Webster ]

To strike an attitude, to take an attitude for mere effect. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Attitude, Posture. Both of these words describe the visible disposition of the limbs. Posture relates to their position merely; attitude refers to their fitness for some specific object. The object of an attitude is to set forth exhibit some internal feeling; as, attitude of wonder, of admiration, of grief, etc. It is, therefore, essentially and designedly expressive. Its object is the same with that of gesture; viz., to hold forth and represent. Posture has no such design. If we speak of posture in prayer, or the posture of devotion, it is only the natural disposition of the limbs, without any intention to show forth or exhibit. [ 1913 Webster ]

'T is business of a painter in his choice of attitudes (posituræ) to foresee the effect and harmony of the lights and shadows. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Never to keep the body in the same posture half an hour at a time. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. beatitudo: cf. F. béatitude. See Beatify. ] 1. Felicity of the highest kind; consummate bliss. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any one of the nine declarations (called the Beatitudes), made in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. v. 3-12), with regard to the blessedness of those who are distinguished by certain specified virtues. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (R. C. Ch.) Beatification. Milman. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Blessedness; felicity; happiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. certitudo, fr. L. certus: cf. F. certitude. See Certain. ] Freedom from doubt; assurance; certainty. J. H. Newman. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. claritudo, fr. clarus clear. ] Clearness; splendor. [ Obs. ] Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Formed like cosine. See Cosine. ] The complement of the latitude, or the difference between any latitude and ninety degrees. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ , n. [ Cf. F. consimilitude. See Similitude. ] Common resemblance. [ Obs. ] Aubrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. consuetudo. See Custom. ] Custom, habit; usage. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To observe this consuetude or law. Barnes. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. correct or appropriate behavior.
Syn. -- propriety, properness. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. crassitudo. ] Grossness; coarseness; thickness; density. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. crebritudo, fr. creber close. ] Frequency. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. décrépitude. ] The broken state produced by decay and the infirmities of age; infirm old age. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Definiteness. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Definitude . . . is a knowledge of minute differences. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. desuetudo, from desuescere, to grow out of use, disuse; de + suescere to become used or accustomed: cf. F. désuétude. See Custom. ] The cessation of use; disuse; discontinuance of practice, custom, or fashion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The desuetude abrogated the law, which, before, custom had established. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. disertitud&unr_;. ] Eloquence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Want of peace or tranquility; uneasiness; disturbance; agitation; anxiety. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fears and disquietude, and unavoidable anxieties of mind. Abp. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. dissimilitudo, fr. dissimilis: cf. F. dissimilitude. ] 1. Want of resemblance; unlikeness; dissimilarity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dissimilitude between the Divinity and images. Stillingfleet. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Rhet.) A comparison by contrast; a dissimile. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. dulcitudo, fr. dulcis sweet. Sweetness. [ R. ] Cockeram. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. aegritudo, fr. aeger sick. ] Sickness; ailment; sorrow. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Elyot. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ F. See Study. ] 1. A composition in the fine arts which is intended, or may serve, for a study. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mus.) A study; an exercise; a piece for practice of some special point of technical execution. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. exactitude. ] The quality of being exact; exactness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. fessus wearied, fatigued. ] Weariness. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. finire. See Finish. ] Limitation. Cheyne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. firmitudo. See Firm. ] Strength; stability. [ Obs. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. fortitudo, fr. fortis strong. See Fort. ] 1. Power to resist attack; strength; firmness. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The fortitude of the place is best known to you. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That strength or firmness of mind which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency; passive courage; resolute endurance; firmness in confronting or bearing up against danger or enduring trouble. [ 1913 Webster ]

Extolling patience as the truest fortitude. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues. Locke.

Syn. -- Courage; resolution; resoluteness; endurance; bravery. See Courage, and Heroism. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. gratitude, LL. gratitudo, from gratus agreeable, grateful. See Grate, a. ] The state of being grateful; warm and friendly feeling toward a benefactor; kindness awakened by a favor received; thankfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]

The debt immense of endless gratitude. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., fr. L. habitudo condition. See Habit. ] 1. Habitual attitude; usual or accustomed state with reference to something else; established or usual relations. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

The same ideas having immutably the same habitudes one to another. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

The verdict of the judges was biased by nothing else than their habitudes of thinking. Landor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Habitual association, intercourse, or familiarity. [ 1913 Webster ]

To write well, one must have frequent habitudes with the best company. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Habit of body or of action. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is impossible to gain an exact habitude without an infinite number of acts and perpetual practice. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. hebetudo. ] Dullness; stupidity. Harvey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Meteorology) The latitudes from 30° to 35 ° north or south of the equator. They are subtropical latitudes having atmospheric high-pressure belts that encircle the Earth, where winds are light and weather is usually clear, hot and dry. According to legend, ships traveling to the New World often stagnated in this region and had to throw dead horses overboard to conserve water for the crew, or eat them to survive, hence the name horse latitudes. A horse latitude is created because warm, wet air near the equator rises, cools, and drops its moisture in heavy rains (creating tropical rainforest areas near the equator). By the time the air reaches the high altitudes, it is cold and dry and can not rise further, so it spreads out and moves toward the poles and near the 30° north and 30° south, it begins to sink toward the earth's surface., preventing moisture from reaching the area from elsewhere. The regions mark the normal locations of the global subtropical high pressure systems such as the Bermuda High, moving a few degrees north or south of their position as the sun moves in the sky with the seasons. Many of the worlds deserts are found at these latitudes. University of Michigan Eco-Explorers, 2001 [ PJC ]

n. [ In- + aptitude: cf. F. inaptitude. Cf. Ineptitude. ] Lack of aptitude. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. incertitude, LL. incertitudo, fr. L. incertus. See Incertain. ] Uncertainty; doubtfulness; doubt. [ 1913 Webster ]

The incertitude and instability of this life. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

He fails . . . from mere incertitude or irresolution. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Indefiniteness; vagueness; also, number or quantity not limited by our understanding, though yet finite. [ Obs. ] Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ineptitudo. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The quality of being inept; unfitness; inaptitude; unsuitableness. [ 1913 Webster ]

That ineptitude for society, which is frequently the fault of us scholars. Tatler. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Absurdity; nonsense; foolishness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Inert. ] Inertness; inertia. [ R. ] Good. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Inexactness; uncertainty; as, geographical inexactitude. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Something inexact; an instance of an inexact statement, measurement, etc.; as, in two minutes the senator has produced a dozen inexactitudes. [ PJC ]

n. 1. The quality or state of being infinite, or without limits; infiniteness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Infinite extent; unlimited space; immensity; infinity. “I am who fill infinitude.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

As pleasing to the fancy, as speculations of eternity or infinitude are to the understanding. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Boundless number; countless multitude. “An infinitude of distinctions.” Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ingratitude, L. ingratitudo. See Ingrate. ] Lack of gratitude; insensibility to, forgetfulness of, or ill return for, kindness or favors received; unthankfulness; ungratefulness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ingratitude is abhorred both by God and man. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. inquietudo: cf. F. inquietude. ] Disturbed state; uneasiness either of body or mind; restlessness; disquietude. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. insuetudo, from insuetus unaccustomed; pref. in- not + suetus, p. p. of suescere to be accustomed. ] The state or quality of being unaccustomed; absence of use or habit. [ 1913 Webster ]

Absurdities are great or small in proportion to custom or insuetude. Landor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Lack of verisimilitude or likelihood; improbability. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. lassitudo, fr. lassus faint, weary; akin to E. late: cf. F. lassitude. See Late. ] A condition of the body, or mind, when its voluntary functions are performed with difficulty, and only by a strong exertion of the will; languor; debility; weariness. [ 1913 Webster ]

The corporeal instruments of action being strained to a high pitch . . . will soon feel a lassitude. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew. ] 1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width. [ 1913 Webster ]

Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. [ 1913 Webster ]

In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. [ 1913 Webster ]

I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ascending latitude,
Circle of latitude,
Geographical latitude, etc. See under Ascending. Circle, etc. --
High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. --
Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator. [ 1913 Webster ]