Noun

(en noun)

The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=David Simpson

, volume=188, issue=26, page=36, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Fantasy of navigation , passage=Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes , there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.}}

A vertical distance.

(geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.

(astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.

Height of rank or excellence; superiority.

(Jonathan Swift)

(dated, in the plural) Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.

* Sir Walter Scott

The man of law began to get into his altitudes .

(Richardson)

Highest point or degree.

* Shakespeare

He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.