reef

• Nom masculin désignant principalement un alignement de roches ou de coraux affleurant près de la surface de l'eau, dangereux pour la navigation ; il désigne aussi la partie d'une voile que l'on peut replier ou enrouler pour réduire sa surface par grand vent.

A noun with two primary meanings: a submerged ridge of rock, sand, or coral near the water's surface; or a part of a sail that can be folded or rolled up to reduce its area in strong winds.

1. B1formal

   A submerged ridge of rock, coral, or sand near the surface of the water.

   Récif

   • The shipwreck was discovered near a coral reef.
   • Divers explored the vibrant reef teeming with marine life.
   • The reef is a popular spot for snorkeling.

   Synonymesbarledgesandbarshoal

2. Sail stripC1formal

   One of several strips across a sail that can be taken in or rolled up to reduce the area exposed to the wind.

   bande de ris

   • The sailor took in a reef to reduce the sail area during the storm.
   • He tied the reef points to secure the sail.
   • Adjusting the reef helps control the boat's speed.

• Verbe désignant l'action de réduire la surface d'une voile en la roulant ou en la pliant partiellement, généralement pour s'adapter à des conditions de vent fort.

A verb used to indicate the act of reducing the area of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it, typically to adapt to strong wind conditions.

1. Reduce sail areaC1formal

   To reduce the area of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it, typically to manage wind conditions.

   Prendre un ris

   • The sailors reefed the mainsail as the wind picked up.
   • He taught me how to reef a sail properly.
   • They had to reef the jib to prevent the boat from heeling too much.

   Synonymesfurlshortentake in

   Antonymesspreadunfurl