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View synonyms for
reef
1[ reef ]
noun
- a ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral debris, at or near the surface of the water.
- Mining. a lode or vein.
reef
2[ reef ]
noun
- a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
verb (used with object)
- to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
- to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
- to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often followed by out ).
Reef
1/ ː /
noun
- another name for the Great Barrier Reef
- another name for the Witwatersrand
reef
2/ ː /
noun
- a ridge of rock, sand, coral, etc, the top of which lies close to the surface of the sea
- a ridge- or mound-like structure built by sedentary calcareous organisms (esp corals) and consisting mainly of their remains
- a vein of ore, esp one of gold-bearing quartz
reef
3/ ː /
noun
- the part gathered in when sail area is reduced, as in a high wind
verb
- to reduce the area of (sail) by taking in a reef
- tr to shorten or bring inboard (a spar)
reef
- A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water.
- See more at coral reef
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Other Word Forms
- ܲ·ڱ adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of reef1
1575–85; earlier riff ( e ) < Dutch rif
Origin of reef2
1350–1400; Middle English refe (noun) < Dutch reef
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Word History and Origins
Origin of reef1
C16: from Middle Dutch ref , from Old Norse rif rib 1, reef ²
Origin of reef2
C14: from Middle Dutch rif ; related to Old Norse rif reef, rib 1, German reffen to reef; see reef 1
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
The White House said reports of China seizing the reef were "deeply concerning if true".
From
Covered with seagrass and interspersed with small coral reefs, the bank is among the largest submerged ocean plateaus in the world — less than 33 feet deep in some areas.
From
The group had been on board the sightseeing vessel, viewing coral reefs off the resort town of Hurghada.
From
Unconfirmed reports suggested the vessel hit a reef and lost pressure.
From
Hurghada is a popular tourist destination, with its coastline known for its beaches and coral reefs.
From
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