Definition

1. Noun:

   • A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water: A natural underwater structure, often built by corals, that can be hazardous to navigation.
   • One of several strips across a sail that can be taken in or rolled up to lessen the area of the sail exposed to the wind: A part of a sail designed for reduction in size.
   • (Geology) A vein of ore; a lode: A region containing rich mineral deposits.

2. Verb:

   • To reduce the area of (a sail) by taking in or rolling up a part of it: To make a sail smaller to suit strong wind conditions.
   • To lower or bring (a spar, mast, etc.) partially inboard: To adjust part of a boat's rigging.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Coral/Rock):
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system.
  • The shipwreck lies on a dangerous reef.
• Noun (Sailing):
  • The sailor pulled on the line to tighten the reef.
• Verb:
  • We need to reef the mainsail before the storm hits.
  • The captain ordered the crew to reef the topmast.

Advanced Usage

• "To take in a reef": To reduce sail area by securing one of the reefs.
  • As the wind freshened, they decided to take in a reef.
• "To shake out a reef": To let out a reef to increase sail area.
  • When the wind died down, they shook out a reef.

Variants and Related Words

• Reefable (adj): Describing a sail designed with reefs.
• Reefing (n): The action or process of reefing a sail.
• Reef knot (n): A secure, symmetrical knot used for tying two ropes of similar thickness, often used when reefing sails.

Synonyms

• Noun (underwater): Shoal, bar, ledge, atoll (specifically for coral).
• Noun (sailing): None that are direct synonyms; it is a specific technical term.
• Verb (sailing): Shorten, reduce.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Reef" as a verb in sailing is typically used transitively and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The actions are described with prepositions like "in" or "out" as part of specific phrases, e.g., "reef in.") - Reef in: To pull in or secure a reef. - Reef in the sail quickly!

Related Idioms

• "Take in a reef": (Figurative) To proceed more cautiously, to reduce one's activities or spending.
  • After the financial loss, the company had to take in a reef.

Noun

1. one of several strips across a sail that can be taken in or rolled up to lessen the area of the sail that is exposed to the wind
2. a rocky region in the southern Transvaal in northeastern South Africa; contains rich gold deposits and coal and manganese
3. a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water

Verb

1. reduce (a sail) by taking in a reef
2. roll up (a portion of a sail) in order to reduce its area
3. lower and bring partially inboard
   • reef the sailboat's mast