Reef
WordNet
noun
(1) A rocky region in the southern Transvaal in northeastern South Africa; contains rich gold deposits and coal and manganese
(2) A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
verb
(3) Reduce (a sail) by taking in a reef
(4) Roll up (a portion of a sail) in order to reduce its area
(5) Lower and bring partially inboard
"Reef the sailboat's mast"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A chain or range of rocks lying at or near the surface of the water.
- & (South Africa) A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.
- An arrangement to reduce the area of a sail in a high wind.
- A reef knot.
Verb
- To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.