overfallnoun [ C ]
/ˈəʊ.və.fɔːl//ˈəʊ.vɚ.fɑːl/specializedan area of very rough water caused by a raised area in the ground under the water, or by the meeting of two currents (= movements of water in a particular direction):
The water can throw up great overfalls, which small boats should try to avoid.
More examples
- The overfalls are huge and very dangerous.
- The sea was white from the massive overfalls.
- With its fierce currents and overfalls, this stretch of water is difficult to sail through.
- The area is notorious for its tidal overfalls and treacherous reefs.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Floods, tides & currents
- backwash
- change
- come
- current
- ebb
- ebb tide
- eddy
- flooded
- flooding
- floodplain
- high water mark
- inundate
- low-water mark
- neap tide
- spring tide
- undertow
- water
- waterlogged
- watermark
- whirlpool
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Waves
Seas & oceans