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tidal bore

tidal bore

8.9
A high wave that moves upriver against the river current
  • noun
  • /ˈtaɪdəl bɔr/
translation icon : ola de marea
  • When the tidal bore hit, the water rushed upstream, making it a popular sight for spectators along the river.

Examples

  • Tidal bores of up to 3.2 m (10 ft) occur in Turnagain Arm (Region 2).

    Academic text (2000)
  • The tidal bore surged up the river, creating waves that thrilled and terrified onlookers on the banks.

  • Kayakers braced themselves as the tidal bore approached, knowing it could create dangerous conditions on the water.

Synonyms

bore
vstidal bore
  • Specialized
4 9.8

A large fast wave that moves up a river when the tide comes in

is more general and focuses on the incoming tide moving against river current
aegir
vstidal bore
  • Archaic
9.9

A large sudden wave that moves up a river or estuary because of the tide

focuses on the tide moving against a river current rather than general collisions
eager
vstidal bore
  • Archaic
9.9

A high dangerous wave that moves up a river when the tide goes in

centers on the incoming tide opposing the river current rather than general tidal flow
eagre
vstidal bore
  • Archaic
9.9

A sudden high wave that moves up a river during strong tides

specifies the incoming tide moves against the river current, not just strong flow

Antonyms

4 1.4

Calm water in a lake or pond with no waves

How Strong

flood
286 1.0
surge
143 4.2
tidal bore
8.9
wave
759 1.0
to ripple
49 2.7

Surface Forms

tidal bore singular
tidal bores plural

Morphology

tidal + bore

The noun is compositionally built from 'tidal' (relating to the tide) + 'bore' (an upriver tidal wave), so its meaning — a wave caused by the incoming tide — is directly derivable from the constituents. Even though the 'bore' sense is somewhat specialized, a learner who knows that sense will readily infer the combined meaning, making it transparent.

Etymology

The noun tidal bore comes from a simple image: tidal means the sea's tide and bore means a strong wave that pushes up a river. Imagine a wall of water moving against the river's usual flow and surprising people, so the tidal bore means 'a high, often dangerous wave that rushes upstream'.