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reef1

Pronunciation: /riːf/

Translate reef | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of reef

noun

a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.
a vein of ore in the earth, especially one containing gold.

Origin:

late 16th century (earlier as riff): from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch rif, ref, from Old Norse rif, literally 'rib', used in the same sense; compare with reef²