reef - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

reef

|reef|

/riːf/

ridge or obstacle

Etymology

Etymology Information

'reef' originates from Middle Dutch, specifically the word 'rif', where 'rif' meant 'rib or ridge'.

Historical Evolution

'rif' transformed into the English word 'reef' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'rib or ridge', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a ridge of rock or coral'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.

The ship was wrecked on a coral reef.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to reduce the area of a sail by folding or rolling a part of it.

The sailors reefed the sails as the storm approached.

Synonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42