reef
noun
[ riːf ]
• a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.
Similar:
shoal,
bar,
sandbar,
sandbank,
spit,
ridge,
ledge,
shelf,
atoll,
key,
barrier reef,
fringing reef,
skerry,
cay,
Origin:
late 16th century (earlier as riff ): from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch rif, ref, from Old Norse rif, literally ‘rib’, used in the same sense; compare with reef2.
reef
noun
• each of the several strips across a sail which can be taken in or rolled up to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
reef
verb
• take in one or more reefs of (a sail).
• "reef the mainsail in strong winds"
Origin:
Middle English: from Middle Dutch reef, rif, from Old Norse rif, literally ‘rib’, used in the same sense; compare with reef1.
