reef

Definitions

1. A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.
2. A surname from German.
3. A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed in a high wind.
4. The itch; any eruptive skin disorder.
5. Dandruff.
6. A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.
   Australia, South-Africa
7. A reef knot.

Equivalents

Examples

“They sailed as if they were stark mad; they never took in a reef in the sail⟳, and when the seas filled the boat, they sailed her up on the back of a wave⟳ till she stood nearly on end⟳, the water rushing out over her stern as out of a spout.”

CEFR level