reef knot
- noun
- /rif nɑt/
- Specialized
:
nudo de rizo
- During sailing lessons, we learned how to tie a reef knot for reefing the sails.
Examples
-
He secured the package with a reef knot to keep the ends from slipping.
-
She tied a reef knot to secure the sail.
-
A reef knot is commonly used in first aid to tie bandages securely.
-
The sailor expertly tied a reef knot on the boat.
-
Sailors often use a reef knot to securely tie two ropes together while on the water.
-
In first aid, it is important to use a reef knot to ensure the bandage stays in place.
-
To secure the tarp, he tied a reliable reef knot that wouldn't come undone in the wind.
Synonyms
95
1.0
A fastening made by tying rope or string to hold things together
1
3.9
A knot used to join two ends of rope or cord by tying two opposite small knots
A simple tie that joins two ropes securely, often used in sailing and wrapping packages
How Secure
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
8.5
3
5.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning ('a knot used when reefing sails') is directly derivable from combining 'reef' (to fold and secure part of a sail) with 'knot' (a fastening). This is a transparent noun+noun compound describing the purpose of the knot, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer its meaning.
Etymology
Reef knot gets its name from sailors: to reef a sail means to 'make it smaller', and they used this simple knot to tie the sail's folded edge. That's why reef knot is a common, easy knot for joining two rope ends or for tying bandages and small bundles.