纬度
wěi dù · HSK 7
latitude
🌐 纬 weft thread (horizontal weave) + 度 degree = the horizontal degree lines = latitude
纬 originally means the weft, the crosswise threads in weaving, so it maps to the east-west horizontal lines on a globe. Pair it with 度 degree and you get latitude. Its partner 经度 (jīngdù, longitude) uses 经, the lengthwise warp thread.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.