Western U.S.the sandy, salty, or mud-caked flat floor of a desert basin having interior drainage, usually occupied by a shallow lake during or after prolonged, heavy rains.
n. an active and popular man or woman. : She's dressed to be a playa.
n. someone who is skilled and respected as a successful street con; pimp; dealer; womanizer, etc. : Sam is a real playa and already has eight kids.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Science Dictionary
playa (plī'ə) Pronunciation Key
A dry lake bed at the bottom of a desert basin, sometimes temporarily covered with water. Playas have no vegetation and are among the flattest geographical features in the world. Also called sink.
[plahy-uh] 
ə