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reef¹ Definition

reef (rēf)

noun

  1. a line or ridge of rock, coral, or sand lying at or near the surface of the water
  2. Mining a bed or vein of ore; lode

Etymology: prob. via Du or MLowG rif < ON, lit., rib

reef² Definition

reef (rēf)

noun

Naut. a part of a sail which can be folded or rolled up and made fast to reduce the area exposed to the wind, as during a storm

Etymology: ME riff < or akin to ON rif (< IE *reip-, a strip < base *rei-, to tear, cut > rive): orig. used of cords for reefing

transitive verb

  1. to reduce the size of (a sail) by taking in part of it
  2. to lower (a spar or mast) or reduce the projection of (a bowsprit)

reef Synonyms

reef

n.

ridge, shoal, bar, sand bar, rock, bank, beach, coral reef, atoll, ledge, rock barrier. See syn. study at shoal.shoal.

reef Usage Examples

Object

mainsail: Among the three that stay in the deeper water is V.Ships, at this stage sailing with a reefed mainsail.

Converse of object

fringe: There are over 100 dive sites around the island and the fringing reef provides fantastic snorkeling.

Adjective modifier

  • coral: Compared with coral reefs, vast swathes of the ocean appeared to be devoid of life.
  • pristine: A new unspoiled destination with pristine coral reefs close to the shore, perfect for a relaxing break.
  • biogenic: Various forms of biogenic reef have also been selected.
  • artificial: The package should also fund Britain's first artificial surf reef.
  • submerged: Entire islands were created, perhaps starting from a mangrove base or a submerged reef.
  • rocky: Below the sea surface, kelp forests, sea caves, and rocky reefs are found, all supporting a wealth of marine life.

Modifies a noun

  • shark: What a dive Dolphins, White tip reef shark, safety stops swimming along the reef wall.
  • aquarium: Both the absolute concentrations and the concentrations of these elements relative to each other change rapidly in the reef aquarium.
  • knot: In all cases, the ties are tied with a reef knot, designed a ' purpose.
  • fish: Virtually every species of Red Sea reef fish can be found here.
  • ecosystem: Professor Mumby is distinguished for his contributions to our understanding of coral reef ecosystems.
  • fisher: Better job by yalta odessa heraklion first rci ship the reef fishers.

Noun used with modifier

  • cold-water: They are often seen in and around the deep, cold-water coral reefs west of Norway and Britain.
  • white-tip: Although rare, you might even spot the white-tip reef shark or the larger gray reef shark.
  • coral: The reef is alive with a vibrant living coral reef.
  • whitetip: Saw a small whitetip reef shark on entering the water.
  • black-tip: On one occasion a black-tip reef shark took an unhealthy interest in one of the team's fins.
  • Scylla: The National Marine Aquarium's Scylla diving reef is still proving very popular nearly a year and a half after it was sunk.

Browse dictionary entries near reef

  1. reedy
  2. reeducate
  3. reedman
  4. reeding
  5. reedbuck
  6. reedbird
  7. reed stop
  8. Reed-Solomon
  9. reed pipe
  10. reed organ
  1. reef knot
  2. reefer
  3. reek
  4. reel
  5. reel off
  6. reel-to-reel
  7. reenforce
  8. reenter
  9. reentrant
  10. reentrant angle