what do you mean by plateau?

Answer 1

The dictionary definition from dictionary.com has 8 meanings for it. I think it's most common use is to describe a geological formation and in reference to a level in one's life or career.

–noun 1. a land area having a relatively level surface considerably raised above adjoining land on at least one side, and often cut by deep canyons.
2. a period or state of little or no growth or decline: to reach a plateau in one's career.
3. Psychology. a period of little or no apparent progress in an individual's learning, marked by an inability to increase speed, reduce number of errors, etc., and indicated by a horizontal stretch in a learning curve or graph.
4. a flat stand, as for a centerpiece, sometimes extending the full length of a table.
–verb (used without object) 5. to reach a state or level of little or no growth or decline, esp. to stop increasing or progressing; remain at a stable level of achievement; level off: After a period of uninterrupted growth, sales began to plateau.
–verb (used with object) 6. to cause to remain at a stable level, esp. to prevent from rising or progressing: Rising inflation plateaued sales income.

Answer 2

In geology and earth science, A plateau, also called a high plateau or tableland, is an area of highland, usually consisting of relatively flat rural area.

Answer 3

To me, plateau mostly refers to a flat spot in life when nothing much is happening, much like a stalemate.

Answer 4

A high area of land, then a flat surface on top
Or it could mean, the highest point in someone's life
*edit*
Man, sucks when people completely take control of the answers by making it elaborate and adding anything possible.
Why should I bother <_< "top contributers"....hmmmm

Answer 5

search in yahoo web.. and you will find complete and reliable source of your question..