纬度

• Pinyin: wěi dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 纬 = 纟+ 韦 (horizontal threads, latitude lines); 度 = 广 + 廿 + 又 (degree, measure)

Meaning

Latitude. A geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the equator.

Used in geography, meteorology, navigation, and climate science. Also encountered figuratively in academic writing to describe scope or dimension, though 维度 is more common for abstract senses.

Examples

1. 不同纬度的城市气候差异显著。 Cities at different latitudes have markedly different climates.
2. 这一地区位于北纬三十五度附近，四季分明。 This area lies around 35 degrees north latitude and has distinct seasons.
3. 高纬度地区的冬季极夜现象吸引了大批科研人员前往考察。 The polar night phenomenon in high-latitude regions draws large numbers of researchers to conduct field studies.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, science, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 北京位于北纬约四十度，属于温带季风气候。(Beijing is located at approximately 40 degrees north latitude and has a temperate monsoon climate.)
• 随着纬度升高，植被类型逐渐由热带雨林过渡为苔原。(As latitude increases, vegetation transitions gradually from tropical rainforest to tundra.)

Don't Say

• 这个问题的纬度很复杂 — use 维度 when meaning 'dimension' or 'level of complexity' in abstract or analytical contexts; 纬度 refers strictly to geographic latitude

Origin & History

纬 (weft threads, horizontal) + 度 (degree, measure)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal