Definition

The distance east or west of a starting point, usually measured in degrees, that helps to determine a location on the Earth's surface.

Example

The longitude of New York City is approximately 74 degrees west.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how we use longitude to find our way around the globe?

Yeah, it's fascinating! I always wondered why they chose the prime meridian as the starting point.

Exactly! It makes navigation so much easier when you know the longitude of your location.

For sure, and GPS technology relies heavily on that information.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Longitude → It is formed from "longus" (meaning long) and "-tude" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "longitude" refers to the state or condition of being long, specifically in relation to the Earth's surface, measuring the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Memory Tip

Think of 'long' ('longus') to remember that 'longitude' refers to the measurement of distance along the Earth's surface.

Visually Confused Words