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tide

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The definition of tide is the cycle of rising and falling of the surface of bodies of water caused by the attraction of the moon and the sun.

(noun)

An example of the tide is when the ocean's water is at its highest point on the beach.

See tide in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete a period of time: now only in combination: Eastertide, eventide
Origin: prob. infl. by MLowG or MDu
1. the alternate rise and fall of the surface of oceans, seas, and the bays, rivers, etc. connected with them, caused by the attraction of the moon and sun: it may occur twice in each period of 24 hours and 50 minutes, which is the time of one rotation of the earth with respect to the moon
2. flood tide
something that rises and falls like the tide
a stream, current, etc. or trend, tendency, etc.: the tide of public opinion
the period during which something is at its highest or fullest point
Archaic an opportune time or occasion

Origin: ME, tide, time, season < OE tid, time; akin to Ger zeit < IE *dī-, var. of base *da(i)-, to part, divide up > time, Sans dāti, (he) cuts off, Gr dēmos, district, people

adjective

tidal

intransitive verb tided, tiding

to flow or surge like a tide
Naut. to drift with the tide, esp. in moving into or out of a harbor, river, etc.

transitive verb

to carry with or as with the tide

transitive verb tided, tiding

Archaic to betide; happen

Origin: ME tiden < OE tidan < tid: see tide

See tide in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The periodic variation in the surface level of the oceans and of bays, gulfs, inlets, and estuaries, caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun.
b. A specific occurrence of such a variation: awaiting the next high tide.
c. Flood tide.
Tidal force.
Something that fluctuates like the waters of the tide: a rising tide of discontent. See Synonyms at flow.
A time or season. Often used in combination: eventide; Christmastide; Shrovetide.
A favorable occasion; an opportunity.