malpais

[ mahl-pah-ees ]

noun

1. Southwestern U.S. an extensive area of rough, barren lava flows.

Word History and Origins

Origin of malpais¹

1835–45, Americanism; < Spanish mal país bad country

Example Sentences

Ditto or unfinished mortar of the malpais for grinding chili and other ingredients for sauce.

From Project Gutenberg

I think things ain't right when a Malpais girl helps a hawss thief and a rustler to escape twice.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon the wholesome Malpais country had fallen the bitterness of a sheep and cattle feud.

From Project Gutenberg

After a couple of hours of play the Malpais man cashed in and went back to the hotel where he was putting up.

From Project Gutenberg

When he chose he could be hail fellow well met in a way Malpais found flattering to its vanity.

From Project Gutenberg