reef
4
8.0
- noun
- /rif/
- Specialized
:
rizo
- Tell me, did you use your sail all the way up to the reef?
Examples
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You'll have a watch, keep order, go aloft to mend canvas, reef and furl.
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To prevent the mast from breaking, the crew decided to reef the sails before the storm hit.
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While she was preparing to go out on deck to take in a third reef, she heard a noise and felt the mast come down on port.
Blog text (9) -
- Reef the topsails!
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In strong winds, sailors often need to reef their sails to maintain control of the boat.
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When the weather turned rough, the captain ordered the crew to reef the sails quickly.
Compounds
- Specialized
12
4.1
A long narrow line of coral running parallel to the coast with shallow water between it and the land
A national park in Utah with colorful rocks, canyons, and desert plants and animals
- Specialized
A short rope attached to a sail that sailors use to make the sail smaller in strong wind
- Specialized
A short piece of rope sewn into a sail to make the sail smaller in strong wind
- Specialized
A way of tying two rope ends by crossing them left then right to hold bandages or sails
Surface Forms
Etymology
Reef for sailing originally meant a 'strip' or 'fold' of cloth on a sail, so a reef is a horizontal band you take in or roll up to make the sail smaller.