tide lock

American  

noun

1. a lock at the entrance to a tidal basin.

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Etymology

Origin of tide lock

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

These locks would in practice no more limit the number of vessels passing through the canal than would the single tide lock on the Pacific end, which is necessary to any even or sea-level route.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 8, part 2: Chester A. Arthur by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)