reef
Pronunciation:
/ɹiːf//ɹiːf/noun
Definitions
A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.
A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.
A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed in a high wind.
A reef knot.
verb
Definitions
To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.
To pull or yank strongly, especially in relation to horse riding.
(of paddles) To move the floats of a paddle wheel toward its center so that they will not dip so deeply.
Example: Reef the paddles.