peneplain

noun

pe·ne·plain ˈpē-ni-ˌplān

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Peneplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/peneplain. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peneplain

noun

pe·ne·plain

variants also peneplane

ˈpēn-i-ˌplān

: a large almost flat land surface shaped by erosion

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