latitude

noun

• 1the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator, or of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes:at a latitude of 51° N lines of latitude
• (latitudes) regions, especially with reference to their temperature and distance from the equator:temperate latitudes northern latitudes
• Astronomysee celestial latitude.

• 2scope for freedom of action or thought:journalists have considerable latitude in criticizing public figures
• Photography the range of exposures for which an emulsion or printing paper will give acceptable contrast:a film with a latitude that is outstanding