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Webster 1913 Edition


Breakwater

Break′waˊter

,
Noun.
Any structure or contrivance, as a mole, or a wall at the mouth of a harbor, to break the force of waves, and afford protection from their violence.

Webster 1828 Edition


Breakwater

BREAKWATER

,
Noun.
[break and water.] The hull of an old vessel sunk at the entrance of a harbor, to break or diminish the force of the waves, to secure the vessels in harbor.
1.
A small buoy fastened to a large one, when the rope of the latter is not long enough to reach the surface of the water.
2.
A mole, at the mouth of a harbor, intended to break the force of the waves.