Defn: High relief; sculptured work in which the figures project more than half their thickness; as, this figure is an alto-rilievo or in alto-rilievo.
Note: When the figure stands only half out, it is called mezzo- rilievo, demi-rilievo, or medium relief; when its projection is less than one half, basso-rilievo, bas-relief, or low relief.
ALTO-STRATUS
Al`to-stra"tus, n. [L. altus high + L. & E. stratus.] (Meteor.)
Defn: A cloud formation similar to cirro-stratus, but heavier and at a lower level.
ALTRICAL
Al"tri*cal, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Like the articles.
ALTRICES
Al*tri"ces, n. pl. Etym: [L., nourishes, pl. of altrix.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Nursers, — a term applied to those birds whose young are hatched in a very immature and helpless condition, so as to require the care of their parents for some time; — opposed to præcoces.
ALTRUISM Al"tru*ism, n. Etym: [F. altruisme (a word of Comte's), It. altrui of or to others, fr. L. alter another.]
Defn: Regard for others, both natural and moral; devotion to the interests of others; brotherly kindness; — opposed to egoism or selfishness. [Recent] J. S. Mill.