plateau
plateau Lexical Profile
plateau Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An extensive area of relatively flat, elevated land that rises sharply above the surrounding terrain on at least one side.
"The expedition set up base camp on a windswept plateau high in the Andes."
A state or period of little or no change following a phase of growth, progress, or activity.
"After six months of rapid improvement, her language proficiency reached a temporary plateau."
• verb
To reach a state of little or no change after a time of growth, progress, or increase.
"Housing prices climbed steadily for three years before finally plateauing this autumn."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both 'plateaus' and the French-derived 'plateaux' are accepted plural forms in English, though 'plateaus' is significantly more common in modern standard usage.
• Rhymes for plateau
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French 'plateau', a diminutive of Old French 'platel' (meaning a flat piece of metal or wood), which ultimately derives from Vulgar Latin '*plattus' and Ancient Greek 'platys' ('flat, broad').