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tidal zone

tidal zone

1 4.2
An area of shore that the sea covers and uncovers with each tide
  • noun
  • /ˈtaɪdəl zoʊn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : zona intermareal

Examples

  • Rice in tidal zones then had two plantings, in early and later spring.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The tidal zone is home to various species of plants and animals that thrive in both saltwater and freshwater.

  • During low tide, you can explore the fascinating life forms that inhabit the tidal zone along the coast.

  • The tidal zone experiences regular changes as waves cover and uncover the shore, creating a unique ecosystem.

Synonyms

tidewater
vstidal zone
1 7.3

Low land on the coast that is flooded or drained by the tide

is the coastal area regularly covered and uncovered by sea level changes
tideland
vstidal zone
7.3

Land near the sea that the tide covers and uncovers

is used for the shore area rather than inland low ground
littoral zone
vstidal zone
  • Specialized
7.7

Area along the edge of a sea or lake that is often affected by water

is specifically the shore area regularly covered and uncovered by sea level changes

How Wet

main
  • Archaic
9 7.9
tidal zone
  • Specialized
1 4.2
shore
441 1.0
beach
1.0

Surface Forms

tidal zone singular
tidal zones plural

Morphology

tidal + zone

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'tidal' (relating to tides) + 'zone' (a region), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes the area regularly covered and uncovered by tides. This is a common, literal compound found across languages and in basic coastal vocabulary, making it immediately understandable to B1 learners.

Etymology

Tidal zone uses the words tidal meaning the moving sea and zone meaning an area to paint a clear picture. Imagine the strip of shore the sea covers at high tide and leaves dry at low tide. So, the phrase means the area 'covered and uncovered by the tides'.