The Collaborative International Dictionary
Reef builder
Reef \Reef\ (r[=e]f), n. [Akin to D. rif, G. riff, Icel. rif, Dan. rev; cf. Icel. rifa rift, rent, fissure, rifa to rive, bear. Cf. Rift, Rive.]
A chain or range of rocks lying at or near the surface of the water. See Coral reefs, under Coral.
-
(Mining.) A large vein of auriferous quartz; -- so called in Australia. Hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.
Reef builder (Zo["o]l.), any stony coral which contributes material to the formation of coral reefs.
Reef heron (Zo["o]l.), any heron of the genus Demigretta; as, the blue reef heron ( Demigretta jugularis) of Australia.