noun
groin
A barrier extending from a shore to control erosion or sand movement.
The groin extends from the beach to interrupt sand movement.
Etymology
Groin is a variant spelling of groyne. The barrier-name's deeper origin is uncertain; the anatomical word supplies no secure explanation.
More examples
- Several groins lined the shore.
- Engineers inspected the groin.
- The groin changed the beach's shape.
Forms
groin · groins
Similar words
- jetty
- A shore structure usually guiding a channel or protecting an entrance.
- breakwater
- A barrier chiefly reducing wave force.