/hahrt"land', -leuhnd/ , n.
1. the part of a region considered essential to the viability and survival of the whole, esp. a central land area relatively invulnerable to attack and capable of economic and political self-sufficiency.
2. any central area, as of a state, nation, or continent: a vineyard in California's heartland.
[ 1900-05; HEART + LAND ]