Definition of the word latitude

The word "latitude" comes from the Latin words "latus" meaning "broad" or "wide," and "ditus" meaning "limpigned" or "dugged out." The term initially referred to the concept of limits or boundaries, but in the 16th century, it was adapted by cartographers and navigators to describe the horizontal location of a place on Earth. "Latitude" refers to the angle between the equator and a specific location, measured in degrees and designated by positive or negative signs depending on if the location is north or south of the equator, respectively. This geographic concept allows for more accurate navigation and understanding of the world's physical features.