ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: scab (I) + land
1. : an elevated tract of bare or shallow-soiled rocky land (as the top of a butte or mesa) in the Northwest caused especially (as on the Columbia lava plateau) by denudation of the soil mantle or prevention of its formation
gray scabland lifting against the sky — H.L.Davis
— see scabrock
2. : a region characterized by scablands traversed or isolated by postglacial dry stream channels
area of approximately 1,500,000 acres of sage and scabland — American Guide Series: Washington
— often used in plural
the channeled scablands of eastern Washington