Valley vs. Plateau

Valleynoun

An elongated depression between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it.

Valleynoun

The area which drains into a river.

Valleynoun

Any structure resembling one, e.g., the meeting point of two pitched roofs.

Valleynoun

The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Valleynoun

The space inclosed between ranges of hills or mountains; the strip of land at the bottom of the depressions intersecting a country, including usually the bed of a stream, with frequently broad alluvial plains on one or both sides of the stream. Also used figuratively.

Valleynoun

The place of meeting of two slopes of a roof, which have their plates running in different directions, and form on the plan a reëntrant angle.

Valleynoun

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

Valleynoun

a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it

Valleynoun

an internal angle formed by the intersecting planes of a roof, or by the slope of a roof and a wall.

Valley

A valley is an elongated low area often running between hills or mountains, which will typically contain a river or stream running from one end to the other. Most valleys are formed by erosion of the land surface by rivers or streams over a very long period of time.

Plateaunoun

A largely level expanse of land at a high elevation; tableland.

Plateaunoun

A comparatively stable level in something that varies.

Plateaunoun

(dated) An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.

Plateaunoun

A notable level of attainment or achievement.

Plateauverb

(intransitive) To reach a stable level; to level off.

Plateaunoun

A flat surface; especially, a broad, level, elevated area of land; a table-land.

Plateaunoun

An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.

Plateaunoun

a relatively flat highland

Plateaunoun

an area of fairly level high ground.

Plateaunoun

denoting a group of North American peoples of the high plains of western Canada and the US, including the Nez Percé.

Plateaunoun

a state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress

Plateauverb

reach a state of little or no change after a period of activity or progress

Plateau

In geology and physical geography, a plateau ( , , or ; French: [pla.to]; plural plateaus or plateaux), also called a high plain or a tableland, is an area of a highland consisting of flat terrain, that is raised sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side. Often one or more sides have deep hills.