claypan

[ kley-pan ]

noun

1. hardpan ( def 1 ).
2. Australian. a shallow, normally dry depression in the ground that holds water after a heavy rain.

claypan

/ ˈkleɪˌpæn /

noun

1. a layer of stiff impervious clay situated just below the surface of the ground, which holds water after heavy rain

Word History and Origins

Origin of claypan¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; clay + pan ¹