0%

reef

reef
R r

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [reef]
    • /rif/
    • /riːf/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [reef]
    • /rif/

Definitions of reef word

  • noun reef a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind. 1
  • verb with object reef to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs. 1
  • verb with object reef to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like. 1
  • verb with object reef to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often followed by out). 1
  • noun reef sea: coral reef 1
  • transitive verb reef sailing: roll or fold 1

Information block about the term

Origin of reef

First appearance:

before 1575
One of the 34% oldest English words
1575-85; earlier riff(e) < Dutch rif

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Reef

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

reef popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 95% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

reef usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for reef

noun reef

  • archipelago — An archipelago is a group of islands, especially small islands.
  • atoll — An atoll is a ring of coral rock, or a group of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.
  • berm — a narrow path or ledge at the edge of a slope, road, or canal
  • boulder — A boulder is a large rounded rock.
  • cobblestone — Cobblestones are stones with a rounded upper surface which used to be used for making streets.

verb reef

  • back water — to reverse the direction of a boat, esp to push the oars of a rowing boat to slow it down or stop it
  • backwater — A backwater is a place that is isolated.
  • ease off — freedom from labor, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest; comfort: to enjoy one's ease.
  • ease up — freedom from labor, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest; comfort: to enjoy one's ease.
  • backwaters — Plural form of backwater.

Top questions with reef

  • where is the great barrier reef?
  • what is a coral reef?
  • where is the great barrier reef located?
  • what is a reef?
  • what is the great barrier reef?
  • where was donovan's reef filmed?
  • how to make a reef?
  • what is coral reef?
  • how to draw a coral reef?
  • how long is the great barrier reef?
  • what does reef mean?
  • how big is the great barrier reef?
  • the great barrier reef is adjacent to which australian state?
  • what happens due to coral reef damage by el niño?
  • where to buy reef sandals?

See also

Matching words

Was this page helpful?
Yes No
Thank you for your feedback! Tell your friends about this page
Tell us why?