plateau

See also: Plateau

English

Diagram showing plateaus.

Etymology

Borrowed from French plateau, diminutive of plat (a plate); see plate.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈplætəʊ/
  • (US) IPA(key): /plæˈtoʊ/
  • (file)
  • Homophones: plateaux

Noun

plateau (plural plateaus or plateaux)

  1. A largely level expanse of land at a high elevation; tableland.
  2. A comparatively stable level in something that varies.
  3. (dated) An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.
  4. (sports, broadcasting) A notable level of attainment or achievement.

Translations

Verb

plateau (third-person singular simple present plateaus, present participle plateauing, simple past and past participle plateaued)

  1. (intransitive) To reach a stable level; to level off.

Translations


Dutch

Etymology

Borrowed from French plateau, diminutive of plat (a plate); see English plate.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /plaːˈtoː/
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: pla‧teau
  • Rhymes: -oː

Noun

plateau n (plural plateaus, diminutive plateautje n)

  1. plateau

Derived terms


French

Etymology

plat + -eau

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /pla.to/
  • (file)

Noun

plateau m (plural plateaux)

  1. flat area
  2. tray
  3. (geography) plateau
  4. stage (in theatre); set (of television broadcast)

Further reading

Anagrams

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