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.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved