reef
1 of 3noun (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 3verb
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 3noun (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
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