TIDAL Meaning and
Definition
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Tidal is an adjective that refers to something related to or influenced by tides, which are the regular rise and fall of the ocean's water level caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. The term can also be used to describe the ebb and flow of water in rivers, lakes, or any other body of water affected by tides.
In the context of the ocean, tidal often describes phenomena such as tidal waves or tidal currents. Tidal waves, also known as tidal bores or tidal surges, occur when the incoming tide creates a wave that moves up a river or narrow bay against the flow of the river or current. Tidal currents, on the other hand, are the periodic movements of the water resulting from the tides, whether it's the back-and-forth movement of the ocean's water or the currents in coastal areas.
Moreover, tidal can refer to the ecological zone known as a tidal zone, which is the area between the highest and lowest tides. This zone typically experiences regular changes in water level, salinity, and exposure to air and sunlight, leading to a unique ecosystem with specialized plants and animals.
In a broader sense, the term tidal can also be used metaphorically to describe any fluctuation or rhythmical pattern that resembles the ebb and flow of tides, such as the "tidal flow of traffic" or the "tidal movement of public opinion."
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Relating to or resembling the tides, alternately rising and falling.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Of or pert. to the tides; periodically falling and rising by the tides, as a river.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of TIDAL
The word "tidal" comes from the Middle English term "tide", which originated from the Old English word "tid", meaning "period of time" or "season". It is also related to the Old Norse word "tíð", which had a similar meaning. The word "tide" eventually evolved to refer specifically to the regular rise and fall of the sea that occurs due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Therefore, "tidal" is derived from this connection to the tides.
Similar spelling words for TIDAL
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