Definition: Plateau

From New World Encyclopedia

Etymology

Borrowed from French plateau, diminutive of plat (a plate). Doublet of platter.

Noun

plateau (plural plateaus or plateaux)

  1. A largely level expanse of land at a high elevation; tableland.
  2. A comparatively stable level after a period of increase. (of a varying quantity)
  3. (sports, broadcasting) A notable level of attainment or achievement.

Verb

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

  1. (intransitive) (of a varying quantity) To reach a stable level after a period of increase; to level off.

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