altiplano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, academic, geographical
Quick answer
What does “altiplano” mean?
A high plateau or tableland, especially one in the Andes of South America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high plateau or tableland, especially one in the Andes of South America.
In broader geographical and geological contexts, it can refer to any high-elevation plain situated between mountain ranges, often characterized by a cold, arid climate and unique ecosystems. The term is also used in planetary geology for similar features on other celestial bodies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same technical, geographical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to greater cultural and academic focus on Latin America, but remains a low-frequency term overall.
Grammar
How to Use “altiplano” in a Sentence
the altiplano of [region/country]in/on the altiplanoacross the altiplanoVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in sectors like mining, agriculture, or tourism related to South America (e.g., 'copper mining on the altiplano').
Academic
Common in geography, geology, environmental science, and Latin American studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in travel writing or documentaries about South America.
Technical
Standard term in physical geography and geology for a type of intermontane plateau.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “altiplano”
- Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable ('AL-ti-plano'). Correct stress is on the third syllable.
- Misspelling as 'altoplano' or 'altiplane'.
- Using as a general synonym for any hill or mountain (it specifically denotes a flat, high area).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An altiplano is a specific type of plateau—a high-elevation one situated between mountain ranges, often associated with the Andes. 'Plateau' is a more general term for any elevated flat area.
The most well-known is the Altiplano (or Puna) of the central Andes, primarily in Bolivia and Peru, home to Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni.
The primary stress is on the third syllable: al-ti-PLA-no. In British English, the last vowel sounds like the 'o' in 'go', while in American English, it often rhymes with 'no'.
It is capitalized when referring to the specific region in South America (the Altiplano), similar to 'the Sahara'. When used as a common noun for any such feature, it is in lowercase (e.g., 'a Martian altiplano').
A high plateau or tableland, especially one in the Andes of South America.
Altiplano is usually formal, academic, geographical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'alti-' (like 'altitude', meaning high) and 'plano' (like 'plain', meaning flat area). A 'high plain'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE EARTH'S ROOF; A HIGH, FLAT STAGE (for geological drama); A SKY PLATFORM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of an altiplano?