ETYM French, from Old Fren. platel, properly a little plate. Related to Plate.
1. A flat surface; especially, a broad, level, elevated area of land.
2. An ornamental dish for the table; a tray.
Elevated area of fairly flat land, or a mountainous region in which the peaks are at the same height. An intermontane plateau is one surrounded by mountains. A piedmont plateau is one that lies between the mountains and low-lying land. A continental plateau rises abruptly from low-lying lands or the sea. Examples are the Tibetan Plateau and the Massif Central in France.

To reach a level, period, or condition of stability or maximum attainment