reef

/ɹiːf/

noun

  1. 1

    A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.

  2. 2

    A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.

  3. 3

    A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed in a high wind.

  4. 4

    A reef knot.

verb

  1. 1

    To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.

  2. 2

    To pull or yank strongly, especially in relation to horse riding.

  3. 3

    (of paddles) To move the floats of a paddle wheel toward its center so that they will not dip so deeply.

    “Reef the paddles.”

noun

  1. 1

    The itch; any eruptive skin disorder.

  2. 2

    Dandruff.

adjective

  1. 1

    Scabby; scurvy.

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