reef

¹reef

noun \ˈrēf\

Definition of REEF

1

: a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size

2

: reduction in sail area by reefing

Origin of REEF

Middle English riff, from Old Norse rif; probably akin to Old Norse rīfa to rend — more at rive

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with REEF

beef, brief, chief, fief, grief, kef, leaf, lief, sheaf, thief

²reef

verb

Definition of REEF

transitive verb

1

: to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion

2

: to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially

intransitive verb

: to reduce a sail by taking in a reef

— reef·able \ˈrē-fə-bəl\ adjective

First Known Use of REEF

1667

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

³reef

noun

Definition of REEF

1

a : a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water — compare atoll, barrier reef

b : a hazardous obstruction

2

: lode, vein

— reefy \ˈrē-fē\ adjective

Origin of REEF

Dutch rif, from Middle Dutch, from Old Norse, literally rib; akin to Old English ribb rib — more at rib

First Known Use: 1584

Other Oceanography Terms

littoral, sound