Groyne

/ɡrɔɪn/ noun

Definition

A barrier built out into the sea or a river to prevent erosion or to direct water currents; also spelled 'groin.'

Etymology

From Middle English and Old French 'groigne,' possibly from Latin 'grunum' or related to 'groin.' The structure juts out like a groin might from a body.

Kelly Says

Groynes are civil engineering genius—they're built perpendicular to coastlines to trap sand and prevent beaches from washing away, and they create those cool tide pools where kids find starfish.

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