Final answer:
A plateau is a large, flat elevated area of land with potential steep high cliffs on its edges, fitting the description of a steep high cliff rising above a nearly flat plain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of a steep high cliff that rises above a nearly flat plain is most accurately defined as a plateau. A plateau is essentially a large flat area of land that is elevated compared to the surrounding terrain. It is typically much larger than a mesa and can have cliffs along its edges, giving rise to steep, high cliffs. Unlike a plateau, a mountain is generally characterized by a peak or summit, and a valley is a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. A canyon is a deep gorge, usually with a river flowing through it, rather than a flat plain rising sharply to become a high cliff.