Altitudinal

/ˌæltɪˈtuːdɪnəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to, measured by, or dependent on altitude or elevation; occurring at different heights above sea level.

Etymology

From 'altitude' (Latin 'altitudo,' meaning height) plus the suffix '-inal,' creating an adjective form. Used in scientific and geographic contexts since the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Ecologists use 'altitudinal' to describe how ecosystems stack like layers on a mountainside—climb a tall mountain and you'll see forests change to grasslands, then rocks and ice as you go up, all because temperature drops with altitude.

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