tidal

American  

[tahyd-l] / ˈtaɪd 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.

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tidal British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nontidal adjective
• tidally adverb
• untidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of tidal

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

Example Sentences

Today, scientists typically find wrinkle structures in shallow tidal environments where sunlight supports photosynthetic algae.

From Science Daily

It has the largest tidal reedbed in England and wildfowl and waders feed and nest in the six shallow lagoons, marshland and mudflats.

From BBC

Then a tidal wave of money poured in.

From The Wall Street Journal

What may sound like small policy shifts in China can drive ripples, eventually creating tidal waves across the globe.

From BBC

Regan’s already pale face got even paler, reflecting the horror I felt flooding through my system like a tidal wave.

From Literature

Related Words

• falling
• rolling
• running
• sinuous
• streaming