neap tide

Etymology

Compare Danish niptid (“neap tide”), German Nipptide (“neap tide”), Old English nēpflōd (“neap tide”).

Noun

neap tide (plural neap tides)

1. The tide which occurs just after the first and third quarters of the moon, when there is least difference between high tide and low tide.

   • Spring tides occur when the Sun and Moon line up, since the gravities of the two bodies add together to create larger tidal forces. Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to one another as seen from Earth. In this case, the gravitational forces counteract each other, creating weaker tidal forces. — Neil F. Comins, "A New Slant on Earth", Astronomy, Vol. 20, Iss. 7; pg. 44, 6 pgs; Jul, 1992
   • Rear Adm. Harry Hill, put in command of the amphibious force, consults with local mariners and reaches a cautious consensus that neap high tide in the lagoon on November 20 will surely be close to five feet deep. — Michael Kernan, (Tarawa) "...heavy fire...unable to land...issue in doubt.", Smithsonian, Vol. 24 Issue 8, p118, 11p, 1c, 9bw, Nov, 1993
   • ... and neap tides (tides that occur during the first and third quarters of the moon and that have the least difference between high and low tides), ... — Richard M. Schlenker and Sarah J. Yoshida, "Developing Science Activities", Science Activities, Vol. 32 Issue 2, p34, 7p, 3 charts, Summer, 1995

Anagrams

• diapente