Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or caused by tides: "tidal" describes something connected to the regular rise and fall of the sea level caused by gravitational forces, primarily from the moon and sun.
   • Influenced by or having tides: "tidal" can describe geographical features, like rivers or basins, whose water levels and flow are affected by these oceanic tides.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The scientists studied the tidal patterns in the bay.
  • This is a tidal river; its current reverses direction with the tide.
  • The tidal force of the moon is a key factor in ocean currents.

Advanced Usage

• "tidal bore": a large wave caused by the funneling of an incoming tide up a river or narrow bay.

  • Surfers travel from around the world to ride the famous tidal bore on that river.

• "tidal energy" or "tidal power": electrical power generated by capturing the energy from the movement of tides.

  • The country is investing in tidal power as a renewable energy source.

Variants and Related Words

• Tide (n): the periodic rise and fall of the sea level.

  • The tide is coming in.

• Intertidal (adj): referring to the area of a shore that is between the high and low tide marks.

  • The intertidal zone is home to many unique creatures.

• Nontidal (adj): not affected by tides.

  • It is a nontidal lake, so its water level is stable.

Synonyms

• Ebb-and-flow (adj/n): relating to a recurrent pattern of coming and going or rising and falling.
• Lunar (adj): related to the moon (often used in a scientific context for forces, but not exclusively for tides).

Related Phrases

• Tidal wave (n):

  • A very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption (technically a tsunami; this is a common, though scientifically imprecise, usage).

    • The news reported a devastating tidal wave.
  • An exceptionally large tide or surge of water.
  • (Figurative) An overwhelming force or surge.

    • A tidal wave of public opinion forced the government to change its policy.

• Tidal range (n): the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

  • The tidal range in this bay is over ten meters.

Related Idioms

• To swim against the tide: to act or behave in a way that is opposite to what most people are doing or believing.

  • Promoting environmental protection felt like swimming against the tide in that industry.

• The tide turns: the situation changes completely.

  • After the new evidence was presented, the tide turned in the defendant's favor.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or caused by tides
   • tidal wave