butte

This term describes a specific geological formation characterized by a flat top and sheer cliffs. It is distinguished from a mesa by its proportions; while both have flat tops, a butte is narrower and more isolated, often appearing as a remnant of a larger plateau that has been worn away by wind and water. Because it refers to a distinct physical landform, it is a standard countable noun. It is most frequently used in the context of the American Southwest or other arid regions where sedimentary rock layers are prominent.