reef
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a long line of rocks, sand, or coral just below or at the surface of the ocean.
n.a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.
Simple“The boat hit a hidden reef and started taking on water.”
In context“The Great Barrier Reef consists of thousands of individual coral formations that support a vast array of marine biodiversity.”
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a part of a sail that you can roll up or fold to make the sail smaller when the wind is too strong.
n.a specific portion of a sail that is rolled or folded and secured to reduce the effective surface area in high winds.
Simple“The captain decided to take a reef in the mainsail as the storm approached.”
In context“With the gale force winds increasing, the crew struggled to tie down the second reef before the vessel began to heel dangerously.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to fold or tie up part of a sail so that it catches less wind.
v.to reduce the area of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it and securing it to the boom or yard.
Simple“We had to reef the sails quickly when the wind suddenly picked up.”
In context“The experienced sailor knew it was time to reef the jib long before the whitecaps appeared on the horizon.”
Synonymsshorten sail - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a long line of rock in the ground that contains gold or other valuable minerals.
n.a lode or vein of ore, especially one containing gold-bearing quartz.
Simple“The miners discovered a rich reef of gold deep underground.”
In context“The discovery of the Witwatersrand reef transformed the regional economy, leading to a massive influx of prospectors and capital.”
UsagePrimarily used in Australian and South African mining contexts.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to pull or yank something very strongly and suddenly.
v.to pull, yank, or jerk something with significant force.
Simple“Don't reef on the dog's leash like that; you might hurt him.”
In context“The rider was criticized for reefing at the horse's mouth whenever the animal became startled by the crowd.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is specific to Australian English, often used when describing how a rider pulls on a horse's reins.