tidal

[tahyd-l]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or subject to tides: tide.

   a tidal current.

2. dependent on the state of the tide as to time of departure.

   a tidal steamer.

tidal

/ ˈtaɪdəl /

adjective

1. relating to, characterized by, or affected by tides

   a tidal estuary

2. dependent on the state of the tide

   a tidal ferry

3. (of a glacier) reaching the sea and discharging floes or icebergs

Other Word Forms

• tidally adverb
• nontidal adjective
• untidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tidal¹

First recorded in 1800–10; tide ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Realistically, from a human-power perspective, all a queer minority can do in the face of a majority tidal shift is bravely let the show go on until someone burns down the theatre.

From Salon

The contest is staged in a former slate quarry that was flooded by a tidal wave in 1881.

From BBC

The recent surge in reactionary politics has been accompanied by a tidal wave of “trad” propaganda, which argues that feminism is bad for women and they would be happier in circumvented roles at home.

From Salon

The process of salt collection in San Francisco Bay was industrialised in the 1800s but now the bay's salt ponds are part of a major restoration project, bringing back tidal marshes and wildlife.

From BBC

"Big surf means greater risk from rip currents, and the swell also coincides with spring tides, which means more powerful tidal water movement at greater speed," Mr Cousens said.

From BBC

Related Words

• falling www.thesaurus.com
• rolling 
• running 
• sinuous 
• streaming