REEF Meaning and
Definition
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A reef, in the context of geography and marine ecology, refers to a ridge or chain of rocks, coral, or other organic material that is formed near the surface of the water in seas or oceans. It often develops in tropical or subtropical waters, particularly where environmental conditions such as clear water, sunlight, and warm temperatures are conducive to the growth of coral.
Reefs are typically composed of living organisms, primarily coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form their exoskeletons. Over time, the accumulation of coral structures creates a complex and diverse ecosystem, known as a coral reef. However, reefs can also develop from other materials like rocks, sand, and seashells.
These underwater structures play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity. Coral reefs provide a habitat for numerous species, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and myriad other marine organisms. The intricate structure of reefs offers shelter, feeding grounds, and breeding sites for a wide range of marine life.
Reefs also act as natural barriers, helping to protect coastlines from erosion by absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact of storms, particularly in regions prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Moreover, coral reefs contribute to the overall health of the world's oceans by filtering and purifying seawater, thereby maintaining water quality.
Unfortunately, many coral reefs face threats such as climate change, pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices, resulting in their degradation and loss. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and preserve these delicate and valuable ecosystems.
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• A chain or ridge of rocks lying at or near the surface of the water, or projecting but a little way above it, at full tide-improperly applied to a projecting sandbank or spit of sand, -a shoal or bank occupies a wider area than a reef, and is for the most part composed of soft material, as mud, sand, and gravel.
• A row of short ropes stretching across a sail for the purpose of tying the strip of sail above the reef up to the yard, and so diminishing the size of the sail-when loose they hang against the sail like the teeth of a comb, whence apparently the name.
• To reduce the exposed surface of a sail by tying together two parallel rows of short ropes which hang loosely on the sail.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for REEF *
* 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 REEF
Etymology of REEF
The word "reef" originated from Middle Dutch "ref" or "reef", which meant "restraint" or "fastening". This term was later borrowed into English and used specifically in the context of sailing. It referred to a line or rope used to secure a sail, typically by folding or rolling it up and securing it to the mast or boom of the ship. From this original sense of restraining or securing, the term "reef" was extended to refer to a part of a sail that is folded or rolled up. Eventually, in nautical terminology, "reef" came to designate a partially lowered or reduced sail, as well as the act of reducing the size of a sail by folding or rolling it. Over time, the meaning of "reef" further expanded to include the underwater ridges or chains of rocks that posed a danger to ships, as ships had to "restrain" or avoid these areas.
Idioms with the word REEF
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reef a sail in
The idiom "reef a sail in" refers to the action of reducing the area of a sail by folding or rolling it up and securing it in order to lessen the sail's exposure to strong winds or heavy weather. This is typically done to maintain control, stability, and safety of the boat in rough conditions.
Similar spelling words for REEF
- reeve,
- reb,
- REEP,
- Reba,
- reefy,
- reeb,
- reify,
- Reva,
- reave,
- reiff,
- Reif,
- revue,
- reap,
- rep,
- ref,
- rev,
- repp.
Conjugate verb Reef
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have reefed
you
would have reefed
he/she/it
would have reefed
we
would have reefed
they
would have reefed
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been reefing
you
would have been reefing
he/she/it
would have been reefing
we
would have been reefing
they
would have been reefing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would reef
you
would reef
he/she/it
would reef
we
would reef
they
would reef
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be reefing
you
would be reefing
he/she/it
would be reefing
we
would be reefing
they
would be reefing
FUTURE
I
will reef
you
will reef
he/she/it
will reef
we
will reef
they
will reef
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be reefing
you
will be reefing
he/she/it
will be reefing
we
will be reefing
they
will be reefing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have reefed
you
will have reefed
he/she/it
will have reefed
we
will have reefed
they
will have reefed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been reefing
you
will have been reefing
he/she/it
will have been reefing
we
will have been reefing
they
will have been reefing
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s reef
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was reefing
you
were reefing
he/she/it
was reefing
we
were reefing
they
were reefing
PAST PARTICIPLE
reefed
PAST PERFECT
I
had reefed
you
had reefed
he/she/it
had reefed
we
had reefed
they
had reefed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been reefing
you
had been reefing
he/she/it
had been reefing
we
had been reefing
they
had been reefing
PRESENT
I
reef
you
reef
he/she/it
reefs
we
reef
they
reef
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am reefing
you
are reefing
he/she/it
is reefing
we
are reefing
they
are reefing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
reefing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have reefed
you
have reefed
he/she/it
has reefed
we
have reefed
they
have reefed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been reefing
you
have been reefing
he/she/it
has been reefing
we
have been reefing
they
have been reefing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
reef
SIMPLE PAST
I
reefed
you
reefed
he/she/it
reefed
we
reefed
they
reefed
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