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jetty

 - 6 dictionary results

jet⋅ty

1  [jet-ee] noun, plural -ties, verb, -tied, -ty⋅ing.
Use jetty in a Sentence
–noun
1. a pier or structure of stones, piles, or the like, projecting into the sea or other body of water to protect a harbor, deflect the current, etc.
2. a wharf or landing pier.
3. the piles or wooden structure protecting a pier.
4. Also, jutty. an overhang, as of an upper story beyond a lower.
–verb (used with object)
5. to construct (part of a building) so that it projects beyond lower construction; jutty.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME get(t)ey < OF jetee, lit., something thrown out, a projection, n. use of jetee, fem. ptp. of jeter to throw; see jet 1

jet⋅ty

2  [jet-ee]
–adjective
1. made of jet.
2. resembling jet, esp. in color; of a deep black.
Origin:
1475–85; jet 2 + -y 1

Related forms:
jet⋅ti⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To jetty
jet·ty 1   (jět'ē)   
n.   pl. jet·ties

  1. A structure, such as a pier, that projects into a body of water to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor or shoreline from storms or erosion.

  2. A wharf.


[Middle English getti, jettie, from Old French jetee, from feminine past participle of jeter, to project, throw; see jet2.]
jet·ty 2   (jět'ē)   
adj.  

  1. Resembling jet, as in texture.

  2. Of the color jet; black: jetty tresses.

jet'ti·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

jetty 
1418, from O.Fr. jetee "a jetty, a projecting part of a building," from fem. pp. of jeter "to throw" (see jet (v.)). Notion is of a structure "thrown out" past what surrounds it.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia

jetty

any of a variety of engineering structures connected with river, harbour, and coastal works designed to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbour or beach from waves (breakwater). The two principal kinds of jetties are those constructed at river mouths and other coastal entrances and those used for the berthing of ships in harbours and offshore where harbour facilities are not available. Jettylike structures may be built out at intervals from the banks of rivers where a wide channel must be narrowed to concentrate the current and thus help maintain a navigable channel. These structures-variously termed spurs, spur dikes, and groins-may also be projected from the concave side of a river to retard bank erosion.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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