reef
//riːf//
Noun
reefSingular
reefsPlural
1
A ridge of rock, coral, or sand lying at or near the surface of the water, especially in tropical seas.
The boat sailed carefully around the coral reef.
2
A vein of ore or a lode in mining.
The miners discovered a rich reef of gold deep underground.
Verb
reefInfinitive
reefsPresent tense
reefedPast tense
reefedPast participle
reefingPresent participle
reefsThird-person singular
1
To reduce the area of a sail by rolling or folding part of it and securing it to the yard or boom.
The captain ordered the crew to reef the sails as the storm approached.