ocean spray
ocean spray Lexical Profile
• noun
The fine mist or airborne droplets of salty water generated by breaking waves or the action of wind on the surface of the sea.
"As the ferry crashed through the heavy swells, a continuous cloud of ocean spray coated the observation deck."
North American A deciduous shrub native to western North America, characterized by its lobed leaves and dense, cascading clusters of tiny white flowers that resemble sea foam.
"The trail through the coastal forest was lined with blooming ocean spray during the early summer."
Word Nuance & Usage
When capitalized as 'Ocean Spray', it widely refers to a prominent American agricultural cooperative known for cranberry and grapefruit products.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive compound combining 'ocean' (from Greek 'ōkeanos') and 'spray' (from Middle Dutch 'spraeyen'). The botanical application refers to the shrub's cascading white flowers, which visually resemble the sea foam of crashing waves.