peneplain

noun

pe·​ne·​plain ˈpē-ni-ˌplān How to pronounce peneplain (audio) ˈpe- How to pronounce peneplain (audio)
variants or less commonly peneplane
: a land surface of considerable area and slight relief shaped by erosion

Word History

Etymology

Latin paene, pene almost + English plain or plane

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peneplain was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near peneplain

Cite this Entry

“Peneplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peneplain. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

peneplain

noun
pe·​ne·​plain
variants also peneplane
: a large almost flat land surface shaped by erosion

More from Merriam-Webster on peneplain

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!