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🌊 A strong tide 📈 A surge
springtide

springtide

9.3
A very high and very low tide that happens at new and full moons
  • noun
  • /ˈsprɪŋˌtaɪd/
  • Literature
translation icon : marea viva
  • The difference between high and low water is most pronounced at springtide each month.

Examples

  • During a springtide, coastal flooding is more likely because of the unusually high water levels.

  • The springtide caused the river to overflow its banks.

  • Fishermen often plan their trips around the springtide for optimal catches.

  • During the springtide, fishermen often catch more fish.

  • During a springtide, the difference between high and low water can reach its maximum, leading to higher ocean levels along the coast.

  • Fishermen carefully time their activities to coincide with the springtide, as it provides advantageous conditions for fishing.

  • The coastal town prepared for the springtide, knowing it would bring the highest tides of the month.

Antonyms

neap tide
  • Specialized
6.3

A tide when the difference between high and low water is very small twice a month

How Strong

springtide
  • Literature
9.3
ebbtide
  • Specialized
1 9.7
neap tide
  • Specialized
6.3
slack tide
  • Specialized
1 7.0

Surface Forms

springtide singular
springtides plural

Morphology

springtide = spring + tide (semi-transparent) = spring + tide

The components 'spring' and 'tide' are clear, but the term is a specialized tidal phenomenon (and 'spring' here is not the season), which may confuse learners.

Etymology

Springtide comes from spring meaning 'to rise' or 'jump' and tide meaning 'sea movement', not the spring season. So it names the time when the sea 'rises' extra high and low at the new and full moon, which is why high and low water are most different then.