tidal bore
1
8.9
- noun
- /ˈtaɪdəl bɔr/
- When the tidal bore hit, the water rushed upstream, making it a popular sight for spectators along the river.
Examples
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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.
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Kayakers braced themselves as the tidal bore approached, knowing it could create dangerous conditions on the water.
Synonyms
1
9.8
A large fast wave that moves up a river when the tide comes in
A large sudden wave that moves up a river or estuary because of the tide
A high dangerous wave that moves up a river when the tide goes in
A sudden high wave that moves up a river during strong tides
Antonyms
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.