Bible Encyclopedias
Reef

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Reedbuck

Next Entry
Reel

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Dictionaries
Webster Dictionary
• Reefing
• Reefed
• Reef-Band
•   (only first 3 shown)
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Coral-Reefs
• Great Barrier Reef
• Reef
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
• Barrier Reef, the Great
Lexicons
• σπιλάς
• τόπος , Πόντος

(1) (Du. rif, cf. Ger. Riff, Swed. ref, &c., all from O. Nor. rif, rib), in physical geography, a narrow ridge of rock, shingle or sand culminating at or near the surface of the sea. In a transformed sense the word is used in mining of a vein or lode of gold-bearing quartz; (2) (Du. reef, rif, cf. Ger. Ref, Swed. raf, O. Nor. rif, possibly a transferred sense of rif, rib), a part of a sail which can be rolled or folded up, thus diminishing the amount of canvas spread to the wind. In square sails, "reefs" are taken from the top, in fore-and-aft sails from the foot.