Elev

/əˈlɛv/ abbreviation

Definition

Short for elevation, commonly used on maps, in surveying, and in building plans to indicate height above sea level or ground level.

Etymology

Abbreviation of elevation, from Latin elevatus meaning 'lifted up.' Widely used in technical and geographical contexts.

Kelly Says

When you see 'elev. 5,000 ft' on a map, it's telling you how high up you are—surveyors and architects love abbreviations to save space, so they shortened elevation to just 'elev.'

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