gulf´like´

gulf «guhlf», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. a large bay; arm of an ocean or sea extending into the land: »

The Gulf of Mexico is between Florida and Mexico.

2. a very deep break or cut in the earth; chasm: »

The earthquake made a gulf in the earth. A gulf in Vermont is a deep ravine between steep hills.

SYNONYM(S): abyss.

3. Figurative. any wide separation: »

The quarrel left a gulf between the old friends.

4. something that swallows up; whirlpool.

–adj.

of or having to do with a gulf, especially the Gulf of Mexico.

–v.t.

to swallow; engulf: »

Cast himself down, And gulfed his griefs in inmost sleep (Tennyson).

╂[< Old French golfe < Italian golfo, ultimately < Greek kólpos (originally) bosom]

–gulf´like´, adjective.