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Glite Dictionary
leeward tide

leeward tide

8.3
A sea current that moves the same way as the wind
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : marea a sotavento
  • A sudden leeward tide swept the dinghy farther from shore than expected.

Examples

  • When sailing, a leeward tide can make steering more challenging for novice sailors.

  • The boat drifted with the leeward tide.

  • The small fishing boat struggled against the leeward tide near the coast.

  • Sailing is easier during a leeward tide.

  • The sailors took advantage of the leeward tide to glide smoothly along the coast.

  • Experiencing a strong leeward tide can help a boat reach its destination faster.

  • Navigating through the leeward tide allowed the crew to enjoy a more relaxed sail.

Synonyms

lee tide
vsleeward tide
  • Specialized
9.8

Tide that flows in the same direction as the wind

is the same meaning but uses a longer or more formal term

Antonyms

against the wind
7 3.7

Moving toward where the wind comes from

Surface Forms

leeward tide singular
leeward tides plural

Morphology

leeward + tide

The phrase combines 'leeward' (toward the downwind side) and 'tide' (sea-level rise/fall) in a straightforward, compositional way, so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a tide on or moving toward the downwind side (flowing with the wind). Although somewhat nautical, the relation is literal and predictable across languages with similar maritime vocabulary, making the meaning transparent to someone familiar with the constituents.

Etymology

Leeward tide shows a simple scene: leeward means the side the wind blows toward and tide is the moving sea. So a leeward tide is the water moving the same way as the wind, which is why it means 'a tide that flows in the same direction as the wind'.