Definition

A tide of minimum range occurring when the sun and moon are at right angles to Earth, resulting in the smallest difference between high and low tides. Neap tides happen roughly twice a month and are characterized by weak tidal currents.

Example Usage

During the neap tide, the fishermen had to wait for stronger currents to reach their usual fishing grounds.

Origin

Old English 'neap,' possibly from Proto-Germanic, meaning 'scanty' or 'insufficient.'

Fun Fact

Neap tides are when the gravitational pulls of the sun and moon partially cancel each other out, whereas spring tides (with the largest range) occur when they align.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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