The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Steppe \Steppe\, n. [From Russ. stepe, through G. or F. steppe.]
   One of the vast plains in Southeastern Europe and in Asia,
   generally elevated, and free from wood, analogous to many of
   the prairies in Western North America. See Savanna.
   [1913 Webster]

   Steppe murrain. (Far.) See Rinderpest.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

steppe
    n 1: extensive plain without trees (associated with eastern
         Russia and Siberia)