Plateau
/plæˈtoʊ/noun
A broad, elevated area of relatively flat land or a period of little change after progress.
Did you know?Plateau entered English from French, where it originally meant a small flat plate or tray, before its meaning rose into geography as a “flat-topped” landform.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
plattus
“flat, broad, level”
Old French
Old French
plateau
“a small plate or tray; a flat object”
Early Modern French
French
plateau
“a flat-topped landform; a serving tray”
19th Century
English
plateau
“a broad, flat elevated area; a period of stability after change”
Modern English
English
plateau
“a flat elevated landform or a period of little or no progress”