overfalls

[ oh-ver-fawlz ]

noun

1. Oceanography. water made rough by a strong current moving over a shoal, by an opposing current, or by winds blowing against the current.
2. Obsolete. a cataract or waterfall.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overfalls¹

First recorded in 1535–45; over- + fall + -s ³

Example Sentences

The merchant ship Lady Elliot in passing through it, found overfalls with eighteen fathoms.

From Project Gutenberg

On the easternmost bank were nine fathoms, but on the other we found overfalls between five and seven fathoms.

From Project Gutenberg

I have seen these overfalls to come both from the eastward and the westward.

From Project Gutenberg

Strong currents producing overfalls, dangerous to small craft.

From Project Gutenberg

The river was all swirls and grinding pools, and oily overfalls, and noisy rapids.

From Project Gutenberg