cuesta

[ kwes-tuh ]

noun

1. a long, low ridge with a relatively steep face or escarpment on one side and a long, gentle slope on the other.

cuesta

/ ˈkwɛstə /

noun

1. a long low ridge with a steep scarp slope and a gentle back slope, formed by the differential erosion of strata of differing hardness

cuesta

/ kwĕs′tə /

1. A ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a cliff or escarpment on the other. The gentler slope is formed by the differential erosion of underlying rock, and the cliff consists of an outcrop of harder, more resistant rock.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuesta¹

1810–20, Americanism; < Spanish: shoulder, sloping land < Latin costa side (of a hill), rib; coast

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuesta¹

Spanish: shoulder, from Latin costa side, rib

Example Sentences

Accordingly the Marshal was able to surprise and defeat Blake, and then to turn and inflict a similar defeat on Cuesta.

From Project Gutenberg

Blake and Cuesta were each defeated by an overwhelming combination of the different French armies.

From Project Gutenberg

Prior to the loss of these 6000 men, Cuesta's army had been 34,000 strong, with seventy guns.

From Project Gutenberg

Cuesta did not in fact signify, though it required coolness as well as ability to discern it at such a moment.

From Project Gutenberg

It is no wonder that after his experience of Cuesta, Wellington steadily refused to combine operations with any Spanish general.

From Project Gutenberg