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Definitions for Reefing

[1] a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
[2] to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
[3] to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
[4] to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often followed by out ).
[5] a ridge of rock, sand, coral, etc, the top of which lies close to the surface of the sea
[6] a ridge- or mound-like structure built by sedentary calcareous organisms (esp corals) and consisting mainly of their remains
[7] a vein of ore, esp one of gold-bearing quartz
[8] the part gathered in when sail area is reduced, as in a high wind
[9] to reduce the area of (sail) by taking in a reef
[10] (tr) to shorten or bring inboard (a spar)
[11] another name for the Great Barrier Reef
[12] another name for the Witwatersrand

Words related to Reefing

reefdecelerate, hinder, retard, moderate, slacken, relax, lessen, lag, reduce, stall, decrease, abate, curb, diminish, impede, curtail, temper, handicap, mire, choke

Words nearby Reefing

reefreedley, reedling, reedman, reeducate, reedy, reef, reef knot, reef point, reef whitetip shark, reefer, reeffish

Origin of Reefing

21350–1400; Middle English refe (noun) < Dutch reef

Other words from Reefing

un·reefed , adjective

Word origin for Reefing

C14: from Middle Dutch rif ; related to Old Norse rif reef, rib 1 , German reffen to reef; see reef 1

Synonyms for Reefing

abate, curb, curtail, decelerate, decrease, diminish, hinder, impede, lag, lessen, moderate, reduce, relax, retard, slacken, stall, temper, brake, check, choke, detain, handicap, loiter, mire, postpone, procrastinate, qualify, quiet, reef, regulate, stunt, anchor it, back-water, bog down, cut back, cut down, ease off, ease up, embog, hit the brakes, hold back, hold up, keep waiting, let down flaps, lose speed, lose steam, reduce speed, rein in, retardate, set back, wind down