reef: Meaning and Definition of

reef

Pronunciation: (rēf), [key]
  1. a ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral debris, at or near the surface of the water.
  2. a lode or vein.

reef

Pronunciation: (rēf), [key]
—n.
  1. a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
—v.t.
  1. to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
  2. to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
  3. to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often fol. by out).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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