altiplano
UK[ˌaltɪˈplɑːnəʊ]US[ˌæltɪˈplɑːnoʊ]
n
A high plateau or plain, especially one between mountain ranges.
Morpheme Breakdown
alti
plano
alti
high
plano
plain
Etymology
The word 'altiplano' is a direct borrowing from Spanish, where it is a compound of 'alto' (high) and 'plano' (plain). The Latin root altus for 'high' and planus for 'flat' combine to create a term that literally means 'high plain'. This term entered English as a specific geographical descriptor for the high, flat plateaus of the Andes mountains in South America. It retains its original, transparently literal meaning, describing an elevated, relatively level landform situated among higher peaks.
Analysis
Structure: alti (high) + plano (plain)
- alti: From Latin altus (high). A combining form indicating height.
- plano: From Spanish plano (flat, plain), from Latin planus (flat, level). A combining form indicating a flat, level area.
Examples
The Altiplano of the Andes is one of the highest inhabited regions on Earth.
The stark, beautiful landscape of the altiplano is home to unique wildlife like the vicuña.
They crossed the vast, windswept altiplano on their journey between the mountain ranges.