mesa
UK: ˈmeɪsə | US: ˈmeɪsə
n. A flat-topped mountain or hill with steep sides, common in arid regions.
The word "mesa" comes directly from Spanish, where it means "table." This reflects the landform's resemblance to a table with its flat top and steep sides. Spanish explorers in the American Southwest adopted the term to describe these distinctive geological features. The metaphor of a "table" for flat-topped mountains is vivid and practical, linking the word's origin to everyday observation.
The hikers reached the summit of the mesa just before sunset.
Ancient Puebloans built their settlements on top of mesas for defense.
The desert landscape was dotted with isolated mesas.
From the air, the mesa looked like a giant table.
Erosion over millions of years formed the steep sides of the mesa.