Altiplanicie

/ˌæltɪpləˈnɪʃiː/ noun

Definition

A high plateau or elevated plain, especially those found in the Andes mountains of South America.

Etymology

Spanish-derived term combining 'alti-' (from Latin 'altus,' meaning high) and 'planicie' (from Latin 'planities,' meaning flatness or plain). The word was borrowed into English from Spanish explorers' descriptions of South American geography.

Kelly Says

This word beautifully captures a paradox of geography: the highest places on Earth often have the flattest terrain—the Altiplano is so enormous that you can stand on a plateau over 12,000 feet high and see a completely level horizon.

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