Embay

/ɛmˈbeɪ/ verb

Definition

To enclose in a bay or to form a bay-like indentation in a coastline.

Etymology

From 'em-' (to enclose or furnish) combined with 'bay,' which comes from Old French 'baie,' ultimately from Latin 'badius' or possibly related to a root meaning 'to gape.'

Kelly Says

Geologists use 'embay' to describe how water and erosion slowly carve indentations into coastlines—it's a poetic way of saying that the land becomes 'cradled' by the sea's curves.

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