[reef] 
Nautical| 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 fol. by out). |
| reef (rēf) Pronunciation Key
A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water. See more at coral reef. |