neap tide

noun

1. either of the two tides that occur at the first or last quarter of the moon when the tide-generating forces of the sun and moon oppose each other and produce the smallest rise and fall in tidal level Compare spring tide

neap tide

/ nēp /

1. A tide in which the difference between high and low tide is the least. Neap tides occur twice a month when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this is the case, their total gravitational pull on the Earth's water is weakened because it comes from two different directions.
2. Compare spring tideSee more at tide

Example Sentences

"It is dependent on good weather, neap tides and flight permits," Mr Mearns said.

From BBC

The neap tide swept us southward, pulling us past the Cape.

From Washington Post

The students then had to interpret the graph and answer questions like “On what range of days were there neap tides in this month?”

From US News

In crossing, I found a most rapid tide, at least five or six knots at neap tides, and to pull against it was out of the question.

From Project Gutenberg

It would not measure more than a league in length, but its breadth varied wonderfully, according as it was seen at high or low water, at spring tide or neap tide.

From Project Gutenberg