circle of latitude

circle of latitude

[′sər·kəl əv ′lad·ə‚tüd]

(astronomy)

A great circle of the celestial sphere passing through the ecliptic poles, and hence perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic. Also known as parallel of latitude.

(geodesy)

A meridian of the terrestrial sphere along which latitude is measured.

circle of latitude

i. A great circle of the celestial sphere through the ecliptic poles and, hence, perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic.
ii. A meridian along which latitude is measured.