angle of elevation

[ ang-guhl uhv el-uh-vey-shuhn ]

noun

, Surveying.

1. the angle between the line from an observer or instrument to an object above the observer or instrument and a horizontal line.

Word History and Origins

Origin of angle of elevation¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

A Jesuit mathematician did the geometry calculations to determine the distance to a stockpile of gunpowder the Dutch had brought ashore and the angle of elevation at which the cannon should be set.

From Literature

A sighting device could be attached for measuring the elevation of objects at a distance; a plumb line could be attached for measuring the angle of elevation of a cannon’s barrel; and the scales on the arms could be used for mathematical calculations such as converting from one currency to another or a volume of wood into board feet.

From Literature

The original star-spangled banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would become the US national anthem, lies horizontally at a 10-degree angle of elevation in a low light chamber at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington.

From The Guardian

They range from wind speed and air temperature to angle of elevation and the always-fluid situation on the ground.

From Forbes

One industry source with knowledge of the situation said it would be possible to figure out the location of MH370 by calculating the distance from the satellite to the plane and the angle of elevation.

From Reuters