lowveld, noun
- Forms:
- Also with initial capital, and (formerly) low veldt.
- Origin:
- AfrikaansShow more Partial translation of Afrikaans laeveld, lae low + veld (see veld).
The sub-tropical region of north-eastern South Africa, lying mostly at an altitude of under 600 metres, especially the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) part of this region; low country. Also attributive. See also bushveld sense 1, highveld sense a.
- Note:
- One of the major Southern African physiographic regions, the lowveld is situated mainly in the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga), but extends also into northern KwaZulu-Natal and into Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The boundaries of the region, based on vegetation, altitude, and prominent physical features, are not clearly defined.
1878 A. Aylward Tvl of Today 44It is unnecessary for me here to go at great length into the distinction of Highveld and Bushveld. It is sufficient for the purpose of this narrative to state that northward and eastward from Lydenberg, Bushveld and Lowveld are convertible terms.
1993 Getaway Nov. 77 (caption)The mixed woodlands of the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park has perhaps the greatest diversity of trees found anywhere in the Lowveld.
The sub-tropical region of north-eastern South Africa, lying mostly at an altitude of under 600 metres, especially the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) part of this region; low country. Also attributive.
- Derivatives:
- Hence Lowvelder noun, an inhabitant of the lowveld. Cf. bushvelder (see bushveld).1937 J. Stevenson-Hamilton S. Afr. Eden 67The General Manager..leaving his drink unfinished — almost a criminal act in the eyes of any old time low-velder — rushed off to stay the impending calamity.1990 ‘Mrs Polly’ in Sunday Times 14 Oct. 20 (letter)Us Lowvelders see only half of what people on the Rand do, so why can’t we pay half the price?
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