reef
reef Lexical Profile
reef Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A submerged or slightly exposed ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand lying at or near the surface of a sea, ocean, or other body of water.
"Marine biologists spent the summer surveying the diverse fish populations living along the offshore coral reef."
A horizontal strip of a vessel's sail capable of being drawn in or rolled up to reduce the surface area exposed to the wind.
"The captain ordered the crew to take in a reef before the approaching squall struck the yacht."
A vein or lode of ore-bearing rock, especially one containing gold or quartz.
"Prospectors discovered a rich quartz reef running deep beneath the arid hillside."
• verb
To reduce the exposed area of a sail by folding or rolling up a section and securing it with lines.
"As the gale intensified, the sailors worked quickly to reef the mainsail."
• Rhymes for reef
Word Origin & Etymology
The geographical sense comes from Middle Low German or Dutch 'rif', while the nautical sense derives from Middle English 'rif', from Old Norse 'rif', originally meaning 'rib' and by extension a narrow ridge or strip.