altimetry etymology

Etymology:

  • alti (Latin) = "high"
  • -metry (Greek) = "measurement"

Meaning and Origin:

Altimetry is the science of measuring the height of an object above a given reference level. It is often used to determine the elevation of landforms, the depth of oceans, or the altitude of aircraft.

The term "altimetry" was first coined in the 19th century, but the practice of measuring altitude dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians used simple devices called quadrants to measure the height of pyramids, and the Greeks used trigonometric principles to estimate the distance to the moon.

In the 19th century, the development of more accurate instruments, such as barometers and theodolites, led to advances in altimetry. In the 20th century, the invention of radar and satellite technology revolutionized altimetry, allowing scientists to measure altitude with unprecedented precision.

Today, altimetry is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Surveying and mapping
  • Oceanography
  • Meteorology
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Geology

altimetry relate terms

  • alti

    Etymology The word alti is derived from the Turkish word altı which means six

  • fiend

    Etymology The word fiend is ultimately derived from the Proto Germanic root fainijaz

  • office

    Etymology The word office is derived from the Latin word officium which originally m

  • conscience

    Etymology From Middle French conscience knowledge from Latin conscientia knowled

  • press

    Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

  • gobbledygook

    Etymology The word gobbledygook is a portmanteau of two words Gobble To speak or e

  • booze

    Etymology The word booze is derived from the Middle Dutch word būsen meaning to d

  • warlock

    Etymology The word warlock derives from Old English wærloga which means oath break

  • Abyssinia

    Etymology The term Abyssinia is derived from the Arabic word Al Habash which refers

  • anxious

    Etymology and Meaning of Anxious Etymology The word anxious derives from the Latin