reef
Translation
reef
Examples
We went snorkelling on the coral reef.
We went snorkeling on the coral reef.
The ship struck a hidden reef.
The ship struck a hidden reef.
Grammar Patterns
a reef a line of rocks or sand near the surface of the sea The ship struck a hidden reef.
a coral reef a reef made of coral We went snorkeling on the coral reef.
Similar Words
Synonyms: shoal, sandbar, ridge
Etymology
From Old Norse 'rif' meaning 'rib, reef'. The sense 'reef' is due to the rib-like appearance of a reef of rock.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'grief' a ship's captain feels when hitting a reef. 'Grief' and 'reef' rhyme.