groyne

Definition

An often wooden structure that projects from a coastline to prevent erosion, longshore drift etc.; a breakwater.

Etymology

From Middle English groyn (“snout”), from Old French groign, from Late Latin grunium, grunia, from Latin grunnire (“grunt like a pig”).

Example Sentences

• "Old rail and timber groynes will be erected along the beach to trap shingle moved by coastwise drift, and to rebuild the protection to the toe of the embankment."
• "Our assimilation into one another had been beautifully timed, with each little revelation of unpleasantness acting as a modest baffler, a groyne to our mutual inundation. Now all of this was going to be flooded, drenched in poisonous ichor."