tide

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   something that may increase or decrease (like the tides of the sea)

   a rising tide of popular interest

2. 2
   noun

   The daily fluctuation in the level of the sea caused by the gravitational influence of the moon and the sun.

   The Bristol Channel has some of the world's largest tides.

3. 3
   noun

   The associated flow of water.

   A lot of driftwood was brought in on the tide.

4. 4
   noun

   Any similar gravitational effect on Earth or other body.

   As well as sea tides, there are much smaller land tides.

5. 5
   noun

   A high-volume flow, literal or figurative; a current or flood.

   The sewer burst, and a tide of sewage poured into nearby properties.

6. 6
   noun

   The tendency or direction of causes, influences, or events; course; current.

   The tide of public opinion has turned.

7. 7
   noun

   Time, notably anniversary, period or season linked to an ecclesiastical feast.

   [...] and rest their weary limbs a tide.

8. 8
   noun

   A time.

   The doctor's no good this tide.

Etymology

From Middle English tiden, tide, from Old English tīdan (“to happen”).