noun / verb
plateau
pla-TOH/plæˈtəʊ/
A broad flat area of land raised above its surroundings.
The broad plateau rises above lower terrain on steep rocky sides.
Etymology
A diminutive of “flat surface or thing” named a flat piece of metal or wood. That flat-surface image underlies the landform: a tract that is relatively level despite its elevation.
In context
the main differences between a plateau and a mesa lie in their size, shape, and the steepness of their sides. Plateaus are large, flat, elevated areas
More examples
- A river cuts a deep canyon through the plateau.
- Farmers grow potatoes on the high plateau.
- These plateaus rise hundreds of feet above the surrounding plains.
Forms
plateau · plateaus
Similar words
- tableland
- Another term for a broad, elevated area of level land.
- mesa
- Usually a smaller, isolated flat-topped elevation with steep sides.