neap tide

noun

1. either of the two tides that occur at the first or last quarter of the moon when the tide-generating forces of the sun and moon oppose each other and produce the smallest rise and fall in tidal level Compare spring tide

neap tide

/ nēp /

1. A tide in which the difference between high and low tide is the least. Neap tides occur twice a month when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this is the case, their total gravitational pull on the Earth's water is weakened because it comes from two different directions.
2. Compare spring tideSee more at tide

Example Sentences

But when there has been a neap-tide in his temper for any time, you're sure to find it followed by a flood with a vengeance.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, the fisherman walked just about the neap-tide, high-water mark, sometimes above it and sometimes below.

From Project Gutenberg

When the two conspire, they cause a spring tide; when the solar and lunar tides are opposed, we have the neap tide.

From Project Gutenberg

But they might as well have bidden the Neap-tide turn before its Hour.

From Project Gutenberg

It was neap-tide, too, and therefore nothing could be done among the rocks.

From Project Gutenberg