Valles
/ˈvæliːz/noun
The plural of vallis, referring especially to valley-like elongated depressions on planetary or lunar surfaces.
Did you know?The most famous example is Valles Marineris on Mars, a vast canyon system whose name literally means “Mariner Valleys.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European (proposed)
PIE
*wal- / *wel-
“A debated root associated with enclosing, containing, or a bounded depression; the connection to Latin vallis is not certain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vallis
“A valley or enclosed low-lying area.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vallēs
“The plural of vallis: valleys.”
17th–19th Century
Scientific Latin
vallis
“A technical term for a valley-like surface feature in astronomy and planetary description.”
20th Century
Modern English
valles
“An adopted scientific plural used in planetary nomenclature, including Valles Marineris on Mars.”