reef

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun nautical Technical

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.

“The captain decided to take a reef in the mainsail as the storm approached.”

“With the gale force winds increasing, the crew struggled to tie down the second reef before the vessel began to heel dangerously.”

C2 · Proficiency nautical Technical

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.

“We had to reef the sails quickly when the wind suddenly picked up.”

“The experienced sailor knew it was time to reef the jib long before the whitecaps appeared on the horizon.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Dialect · Technical

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.

“The miners discovered a rich reef of gold deep underground.”

“The discovery of the Witwatersrand reef transformed the regional economy, leading to a massive influx of prospectors and capital.”

C2 · Proficiency Dialect · Informal

v. to pull or yank something very strongly and suddenly.

v. to pull, yank, or jerk something with significant force.

“Don't reef on the dog's leash like that; you might hurt him.”

“The rider was criticized for reefing at the horse's mouth whenever the animal became startled by the crowd.”