mesa definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

me·sa [ máyssə ] (plural me·sas)

noun

Definition:

Southwestern U.S. flat elevated area: a relatively flat elevated area with steep sides that is less extensive than a plateau.
See also butte

[Mid-18th century. < Spanish, "table" < Latin mensa]

Regional History


	Mesa is most common in the Southwestern states, including Colorado. The term contrasts with butte, which is used more frequently in the Northwest: compare the place names Mesa County, Colorado, and Mesa, Arizona, with Butte County, South Dakota, and Butte, Montana.