tide
nounDefinition of tide
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a(1)
: the alternate rising and falling of the surface of the ocean and of water bodies (such as gulfs and bays) connected with the ocean that occurs usually twice a day and is the result of differing gravitational forces exerted at different parts of the earth by another body (such as the moon or sun)
(2)
: a less marked rising and falling of an inland body of water
(3)
: a periodic movement in the earth's crust caused by the same forces that produce ocean tides
(4)
: a periodic distortion on one celestial body caused by the gravitational attraction of another
(5)
: one of the periodic movements of the atmosphere resembling those of the ocean and produced by gravitation or diurnal temperature changes
2a
: something that fluctuates like the tides of the sea
the tide of public opinion
b
: a large and increasing quantity or volume
a tide of opportunists a swelling tide of criticism
4a
: a fit or opportune time : opportunity
b
: an ecclesiastical anniversary or festival
also
: its season
—usually used in combination Eastertide