Altissimus

Altissimus is a Latin superlative adjective derived from altus, meaning high or tall. The form indicates the utmost degree of height or elevation, translating to “the highest” or “the tallest.” In classical Latin, it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, with masculine nominative singular altissimus, feminine altissima, and neuter altissimum; it also appears in common superlative phrases such as montes altissimi (the very highest mountains).

In usage, altissimus functions as an ordinary descriptive modifier and can occur as a substantive epithet. It often appears in religious or poetic contexts to designate a supreme quality, including the epithet for a deity in Latin: Altissimus Deus, meaning “the Most High God.” The term can also describe physical extremes or elevated status, for example in phrases referring to lofty elevations or eminent stature.

In taxonomy and scientific Latin, altissimus has occasionally been used as a species or subspecies epithet to denote tall or tall-growing forms, though it is not restricted to any particular taxon and is chosen for descriptive emphasis rather than as a fixed designation. Beyond Latin grammar and scientific nomenclature, altissimus appears in literary and historical Latin to convey lofty or ultimate extremes.

Overall, altissimus functions as a key Latin term for expressing the highest degree of height or eminence, with broad classical, religious, and occasional scientific usage.