pan

1. A shallow, natural depression or basin containing a body of standing water. 2. A hard, cementlike layer, crust, or horizon of soil within or just beneath the surface; may be compacted, indurated, or very high in clay content. 3. See pancake ice.

Related terms:

• salt pan
• pan ice
• pan coefficient
• pressure pan
• marginal salt pan
• lime-pan playa
• pond
• screened pan