BAY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "bay" refers to a sheltered part of a body of water, typically smaller and more enclosed than a gulf or sea. A bay is usually a recessed portion of coastline, partly surrounded by land, with water extending into it from the ocean or lake. Formed by various geologic processes such as erosion or the submergence of a river valley, a bay is characterized by its curving shape which often provides protection against wind and waves. It is often shallower and calmer than the open sea, making it a favorable habitat for marine life.
Bays are diverse in size, with some being small and cozy, while others can be vast and expansive. They can also vary in their levels of salinity, depending on whether they are connected to the ocean or fed by freshwater sources such as rivers. Bays play an important role in various activities, such as fishing, shipping, and tourism, as they provide safe harbors for boats and vessels.
The term "bay" is not limited to coastal areas, as it can also refer to similar features found in inland regions. For instance, there are bays within lakes or reservoirs that possess the same characteristics of their coastal counterparts. In botanical terms, a "bay" can also denote an evergreen tree of the laurel family, such as the bay laurel or sweet bay, known for its aromatic leaves commonly used in cooking.
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In anatomy, a recess containing fluid, noting specifically the lacrymal bay, a slight recess at the internal angle or canthus of the eye, in which are the puncta lacrimalia, or openings of the lacrymal ducts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Brown or reddish; inclining to a chestnut colour.
• An arm of the sea bending into the land; state of being hemmed in.
• The bark of a dog when his prey is brought to a stand : at bay, at a stand, and turned to keep the enemy in check; a stag is at bay when he turns and faces his pursuers.
• The laurel-tree, which bears red berries.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BAY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BAY
Etymology of BAY
The word "bay" has several different etymological origins depending on its specific meaning:
1. Bay as a body of water: The term "bay" originated from the Old French word "bai", which itself is derived from the Late Latin word "badius". Both these words mean "reddish-brown", likely referring to the color of some bays.
2. Bay as a color: The color "bay", often used to describe the reddish-brown color of an animal's coat (such as horses), also traces back to the Old French word "bai" for "reddish-brown".
3. Bay as an opening or recess: When referring to a recess or opening, such as in architecture or a room, the word "bay" comes from the Old English word "beorg", meaning a "protuberance" or "raised ground".
Idioms with the word BAY
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bay window
The idiom "bay window" refers to a window design that protrudes outward from the main wall of a building, creating a recessed area inside. It commonly consists of three windows, with the central window larger and flanked by two smaller windows at an angle. The idiom can also be used figuratively to describe someone with a prominent or protruding belly.
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bring someone or something to bay
The idiom "bring someone or something to bay" typically means to corner, trap, or force someone or something into a position where escape or avoidance is no longer possible. It is often used in situations where one is pursuing an elusive target or attempting to control a challenging situation.
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hold something/someone at bay
The idiom "hold something/someone at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance, preventing them from advancing or getting closer. It implies maintaining control or keeping a certain situation under control.
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bay at the moon
The idiom "bay at the moon" means to engage in frivolous or futile actions, often in a vocal or persistent manner, that have no chance of producing any desired outcome or result. It refers to the image of a dog howling or barking at the moon, which is unresponsive and unattainable.
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keep at bay
The idiom "keep at bay" means to prevent or hold someone or something away or at a distance. It refers to keeping someone or something under control or restrained.
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hold (or keep) someone or something at bay
The idiom "hold (or keep) someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance or prevent them from getting too close or causing harm. It implies keeping a potential threat or problem under control or holding it off temporarily.
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bay at something
The idiom "bay at something" means to fiercely or persistently protest, criticize, or argue against a particular thing or idea. It is often used to describe someone who vehemently opposes or argues against something, much like the baying of a hound dog.
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keep (someone or something) at bay
The idiom "keep (someone or something) at bay" means to keep someone or something away or prevent them from getting too close or causing harm or trouble. It suggests maintaining a distance or control to avoid any negative or undesired consequences.
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keep sb at bay
The idiom "keep someone at bay" means to maintain a safe or comfortable distance from someone or something, typically to prevent them from causing harm or interfering with one's plans or objectives. It suggests holding someone in check or at a distance to keep them under control or to avoid being harmed by them.
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hold/keep sb/sth at bay
The idiom "hold/keep sb/sth at bay" means to prevent or keep someone or something at a distance or from coming too close. It refers to the act of controlling or warding off someone or something that presents a threat or danger.
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flourish like a green bay tree
The idiom "flourish like a green bay tree" means to thrive, prosper, or enjoy great success and abundance. It refers to the image of a green bay tree (a type of evergreen tree) which symbolizes continuous growth, strength, and prosperity.
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hold/keep somebody/something at bay
The idiom "hold/keep somebody/something at bay" means to keep someone or something under control or at a distance, usually to prevent them from causing harm or approaching too closely. It implies keeping someone or something at a safe distance or preventing them from getting too close or having a negative impact.
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bay for blood
The idiom "bay for blood" means to strongly or eagerly demand punishment or revenge for someone. It is used to convey a strong desire for retribution or justice against an individual who is considered responsible for a wrong or injustice. The phrase originates from the imagery of a pack of hounds, with their mouths open and emitting a loud, persistent baying sound, when pursuing prey.
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bay at
The idiom "bay at" means to repeatedly and loudly vocalize in a howling manner, usually associated with dogs or wolves. It can also figuratively refer to someone expressing their strong disapproval, frustration, or anger persistently and vocally, often in a confrontational manner.
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keep sth/sb at bay
The idiom "keep something or someone at bay" means to prevent or keep something or someone away or under control, often in order to avoid a problem or danger. It suggests maintaining a safe distance or preventing something from coming too close.
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bring to bay
The idiom "bring to bay" means to corner or trap someone or something, usually in order to capture or confront them. It refers to a situation where a person or animal is pursued or hunted down and forced into a position where they can no longer escape.
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keep something/someone at bay
The idiom "keep something/someone at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance or to prevent something or someone from approaching or affecting you. It refers to maintaining control over a situation or keeping potential problems or enemies away.
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hold at bay
The idiom "hold at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance, often to prevent them from causing harm or getting closer. It can also refer to keeping a difficult or challenging situation from worsening or having control over it.
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keep sth at bay
The idiom "keep something at bay" means to keep something or someone away or to prevent something from happening or approaching. It often implies the act of holding back or resisting something unwanted or threatening.
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hand or keep at bay
The idiom "hand or keep at bay" means to prevent or control something or someone from getting too close or causing harm. It suggests actively keeping a problem or threat under control and maintaining a safe distance.
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at bay
The idiom "at bay" means to keep someone or something under control or at a safe distance, typically referring to keeping an opponent or a threat from gaining an advantage or making progress. It involves holding off or restraining someone or something.
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hold someone or something at bay
The idiom "hold someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something under control or at a distance, usually to prevent them from approaching or causing harm. It refers to the act of keeping something or someone at arm's length and not allowing them to get too close or have any influence or impact.
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hold sm or sth at bay
The idiom "hold someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something under control or at a distance, often to prevent them from causing harm or advancing further. It can also imply successfully preventing something from happening or delaying its occurrence.
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bay at sth
The idiom "bay at something" means to loudly shout or bark at something, typically used when referring to animals, especially dogs, howling or barking persistently, often in response to a perceived threat or to draw attention. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person expressing strong criticism or opposition, often in a noisy and persistent manner.
Similar spelling words for BAY
- bayou,
- B,
- ba,
- Bao,
- baa,
- Bahai,
- baya,
- bai,
- Bah,
- BAHE,
- BAE.
Conjugate verb Bay
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have bayed
you
would have bayed
he/she/it
would have bayed
we
would have bayed
they
would have bayed
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been baying
you
would have been baying
he/she/it
would have been baying
we
would have been baying
they
would have been baying
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would bay
you
would bay
he/she/it
would bay
we
would bay
they
would bay
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be baying
you
would be baying
he/she/it
would be baying
we
would be baying
they
would be baying
FUTURE
I
will bay
you
will bay
he/she/it
will bay
we
will bay
they
will bay
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be baying
you
will be baying
he/she/it
will be baying
we
will be baying
they
will be baying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have bayed
you
will have bayed
he/she/it
will have bayed
we
will have bayed
they
will have bayed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been baying
you
will have been baying
he/she/it
will have been baying
we
will have been baying
they
will have been baying
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s bay
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was baying
you
were baying
he/she/it
was baying
we
were baying
they
were baying
PAST PARTICIPLE
bayed
PAST PERFECT
I
had bayed
you
had bayed
he/she/it
had bayed
we
had bayed
they
had bayed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been baying
you
had been baying
he/she/it
had been baying
we
had been baying
they
had been baying
PRESENT
I
bay
you
bay
he/she/it
bays
we
bay
they
bay
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am baying
you
are baying
he/she/it
is baying
we
are baying
they
are baying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
baying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have bayed
you
have bayed
he/she/it
has bayed
we
have bayed
they
have bayed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been baying
you
have been baying
he/she/it
has been baying
we
have been baying
they
have been baying
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
bay
SIMPLE PAST
I
bayed
you
bayed
he/she/it
bayed
we
bayed
they
bayed
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