reef: Meaning and Definition of
reef
Pronunciation: (rēf), [key] - a ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral debris, at or near the surface of the water.
- a lode or vein.
reef
Pronunciation: (rēf), [key]
—n. - a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
—v.t. - to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
- to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
- to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often fol. by out).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.