Reefing
noun
1.
a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
verb (used with object)
2.
to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
3.
to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
4.
to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often followed by out).
noun
1.
a ridge of rock, sand, coral, etc, the top of which lies close to the surface of the sea
2.
a ridge- or mound-like structure built by sedentary calcareous organisms (esp corals) and consisting mainly of their remains
3.
a vein of ore, esp one of gold-bearing quartz
noun
1.
the part gathered in when sail area is reduced, as in a high wind
verb
2.
to reduce the area of (sail) by taking in a reef
3.
(transitive) to shorten or bring inboard (a spar)
noun the Reef
1.
another name for the Great Barrier Reef
2.
another name for the Witwatersrand
reefing reef·ing (rē’fĭng)
n.
Surgical reduction of the extent of a tissue by folding it and securing with sutures.
reef
(rēf)
A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water. See more at coral reef.
Read Also:
- Reefing jacket
noun 1. a man’s short double-breasted jacket of sturdy wool Also called reefer
- Reef-knot
noun, Nautical. 1. a square knot used in reefing sails. noun 1. a knot consisting of two overhand knots turned opposite ways Also called square knot
- Reef point
noun 1. (nautical) one of several short lengths of line stitched through a sail for tying a reef
- Reeing
verb (used with object), reed, reeing. British Dialect. 1. to sift (grain, peas, beans, etc.). REE rare earth element
- Reek
noun 1. a strong, unpleasant smell. 2. vapor or steam. verb (used without object) 3. to smell strongly and unpleasantly. 4. to be strongly pervaded with something unpleasant or offensive. 5. to give off steam, smoke, etc. 6. to be wet with sweat, blood, etc. verb (used with object) 7. to give off; emit; exude. […]