neap

Everyday

A neap tide is a tide with the smallest difference between high and low water, which happens twice a month when the Sun and Moon pull at right angles to each other. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons tides are caused mainly by the Moon's pull; neap tides happen around the first and last quarter Moons, while spring tides (the biggest) happen at new and full Moon. Sailors and fishermen check neap and spring tides. Phrases: «neap tide», «at neaps».

Examples

• At neap tide the sea does not go out very far. tree →
• Neap tides happen about twice a month. tree →
• Spring tides are bigger than neap tides. tree →
• The fishermen waited for the neap tide to launch the boat. tree →
• During neaps, the rock pools stay covered. tree →
• The Moon at half full means a neap tide is near. tree →

Note

Usually in «neap tide». Rhymes with «deep». Trap: «spring tide» has nothing to do with the season spring. In science problems: spring tides at new and full Moon (Sun, Earth, Moon in a line); neap tides at quarter Moons (at right angles).