reef

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈrēf

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

: reduction in sail area by reefing

reef

2 of 3

verb

reefed; reefing; reefs

transitive verb

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

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

intransitive verb

: to reduce a sail by taking in a reef

reefable

ˈrē-fə-bəl How to pronounce reef (audio)

adjective

reef

3 of 3

noun (2)

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

: a hazardous obstruction

: lode, vein

reefy

ˈrē-fē

adjective

单词	reef
释义	reef 1 of 3 noun (1) ˈrēf 1 : a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size 2 : reduction in sail area by reefing reef 2 of 3 verb reefed; reefing; reefs 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 reefable ˈrē-fə-bəl adjective reef 3 of 3 noun (2) 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 Word History Etymology Noun (1) Middle English riff, from Old Norse rif; probably akin to Old Norse rīfa to rend — more at rive Noun (2) Dutch rif, from Middle Dutch, from Old Norse, literally rib; akin to Old English ribb rib — more at rib First Known Use Noun (1) 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb 1670, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun (2) 1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Phrases Containing reef barrier reef whitetip reef shark reef knot coral reef barrier reef whitetip reef shark reef knot coral reef Kids Definition reef noun ˈrēf : a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water reef noun as in hazard Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance hazard danger peril barrier burden hardship load delay brake stall difficulty adversity disadvantage drawback stoppage curb brick wall cumber blockade embargo stone wall holdup interference arrest blockage restraint constraint obstruction obstacle impediment chain hindrance inhibition rub snag handicap catch let hobble shackles trammel cramp rein clog stumbling block deterrent hitch hurdle block check crimp bit bar embarrassment encumbrance stop fetter balk drag manacle holdback Antonyms & Near Antonyms stimulus edge catalyst incentive spur advantage impetus stimulant aid break benefit assistance help goad boost handmaiden handmaid See More
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reef

noun (1)

verb

noun (2)

Word History

Phrases Containing reef

Kids Definition

noun

noun