heath
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈhiθ// UK //hˈiːθ// heath
n. an open area of land with wild grass and small bushes, but very few trees. The soil is usually poor, so people do not use it for farming.
n. an extensive area of open uncultivated land, typically characterized by poor, acidic soil and vegetation dominated by low-growing shrubs such as heather.
We went for a long walk across the windy heath.
The local government protected the heath from developers to preserve the rare birds that nest in the low shrubs.
The novel opens with a vivid description of the desolate heath, using the harsh, unyielding landscape as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal struggle.
Usage
Commonly used in British English to describe specific geographical regions; often appears in place names.