The 'height' of the ceiling is eight feet. [=the ceiling is eight feet above the floor; the ceiling is eight feet high]
It was 'the height of' stupidity to quit the team. [=it was extremely stupid to quit the team]
He was 'at the height of' his fame when he died. [=he died when he was most famous]
(..) and a new opportunity. The flock stay in close contact by calling one another. Weak from lack of food and water, they use thermals, rising columns of warm air, to gain height. For many this is their first journey across the Himalayas. For some, it will be their last. The golden eagles (..)2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: Mountains Season: 1 Episode 2
(..) To reach their overwintering grounds in India they must cross the Himalayas. By late morning ferocious winds are roaring past the peaks. The cranes must gain height to avoid the building storm. They've hit serious turbulence. They must turn back or risk death. A new day (..)2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: Mountains Season: 1 Episode 2