breakwater

Etymology

From break + water. Compare Dutch breekwater (“breakwater”).

noun

  1. A construction in or around a harbour designed to break the force of the sea and to provide shelter for vessels lying inside.
  2. (nautical) A low bulkhead across the forecastle deck of a ship which diverts water breaking over the bows into the scuppers.
  3. (on beaches) A wooden or concrete barrier, usually perpendicular to the shore, intended to prevent the movement of sand along a coast.

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