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malpais

[ mahl-pah-ees ]

/ ˌmɑl pɑˈis /

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noun

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

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SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

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Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

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Origin of malpais

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

Words nearby malpais

malonyl group, malonylurea, Malory, maloti, Malouf, malpais, Malpighi, malpighiaceous, malpighian, malpighian body, malpighian capsule

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use malpais in a sentence

Ditto or unfinished mortar of the malpais for grinding chili and other ingredients for sauce.
Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained|James Stevenson
I think things ain't right when a Malpais girl helps a hawss thief and a rustler to escape twice.
Mavericks|William MacLeod Raine
Upon the wholesome Malpais country had fallen the bitterness of a sheep and cattle feud.
Mavericks|William MacLeod Raine
After a couple of hours of play the Malpais man cashed in and went back to the hotel where he was putting up.
Mavericks|William MacLeod Raine

When he chose he could be hail fellow well met in a way Malpais found flattering to its vanity.
Mavericks|William MacLeod Raine