parallel of altitude: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “parallel of altitude” mean?
A small circle on the celestial sphere, parallel to the horizon, used in astronomy and navigation to denote equal altitude above the horizon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small circle on the celestial sphere, parallel to the horizon, used in astronomy and navigation to denote equal altitude above the horizon.
In broader usage, it can refer to any theoretical or conceptual line representing equal height or equal value in a system of measurement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The technical term is identical in both variants. Pronunciation differences follow general rules for the words 'parallel' and 'altitude'.
Connotations
No differential connotations. Purely technical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialized texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “parallel of altitude” in a Sentence
The [noun] lies on a parallel of altitude.To calculate the [object's] position, find its parallel of altitude.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, astrophysics, navigation, and geodesy textbooks and research papers to describe positional astronomy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in celestial navigation for plotting star/planet positions and in spherical astronomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallel of altitude”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallel of altitude”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallel of altitude”
- Incorrectly using 'parallel of latitude' instead of 'parallel of altitude'. They are different concepts: latitude is terrestrial/celestial coordinate, altitude is angular height above the horizon.
- Omitting 'of' and saying 'parallel altitude'.
- Treating it as a plural concept: 'parallels of altitudes' is incorrect; it's 'parallels of altitude'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A parallel of altitude is a circle on the celestial sphere parallel to the observer's horizon, denoting equal altitude. A parallel of latitude is a circle on Earth or the celestial sphere parallel to the equator, denoting equal latitude.
In celestial navigation, it helps determine a line of position on the Earth's surface. An observer knowing a celestial body's altitude knows they are located somewhere along the corresponding circle on the Earth.
Not as a visible line. It is an imaginary geometric construct used for calculation and plotting. However, all stars at a given moment that share the same altitude above the horizon lie on that circle.
Almucantar (or almicantarat) is an older, historical term derived from Arabic, meaning exactly the same as 'parallel of altitude' or 'circle of equal altitude'.
A small circle on the celestial sphere, parallel to the horizon, used in astronomy and navigation to denote equal altitude above the horizon.
Parallel of altitude is usually technical, academic in register.
Parallel of altitude: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlel əv ˈæltɪtjuːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛrəˌlɛl əv ˈæltɪˌtuːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a planet's altitude (height) locked in place as the Earth turns, tracing a parallel line around the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINES AS FIXED PATHS (The concept maps the three-dimensional position of a celestial body onto a two-dimensional circular track in the sky).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parallel of altitude' primarily used?