verb Download 🔗Share To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind. Examples : "The sailor started reefing the mainsail as the wind picked up, reducing its size to maintain control of the boat. " nautical sailing weather technical Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To pull or yank strongly, especially in relation to horse riding. Examples : "The rider was reefing on the reins, trying to stop the horse from bolting. " action sport animal Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of paddles) To move the floats of a paddle wheel toward its center so that they will not dip so deeply. Examples : "Reef the paddles." nautical sailing vehicle technical machine Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share The process of reefing (taking in a sail); an act of reefing; also used of clothing. Examples : "The experienced sailor demonstrated the reefing process to the novice crew, showing them how to reduce the sail area in strong winds. " nautical sailing wear action process Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share A reef (seam of quartz). Examples : "The old miner believed he would strike gold if he could just follow the reefing deeper into the mountain. " geology mineral Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading