jetty
jetty Lexical Profile
jetty Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A landing stage or small pier at which boats can dock or be moored.
"We walked to the end of the wooden jetty to watch the fishing boats return to harbor."
A structural breakwater constructed of stone, timber, or concrete extending into a body of water to influence the current or protect a harbor.
"The Army Corps of Engineers reinforced the stone jetty to prevent further erosion of the shipping channel."
• adjective
Resembling the mineral jet; deep, glossy black in color.
"The raven's jetty plumage gleamed brightly in the afternoon sun."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun and adjective forms of 'jetty' are homonyms with distinct origins; the noun relates to a structure projecting outward (from French 'jeter'), while the adjective describes the deep black color of the mineral jet.
• Rhymes for jetty
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Old French 'jetée' (a projection), the past participle of 'jeter' (to throw). The adjective is formed from the noun 'jet' (a dense black coal) combined with the suffix '-y'.