tidal

The word “tidal” means relating to, caused by, or affected by the tides. In plain terms, having to do with the rise and fall of the sea.

“Tidal” is pronounced TEYE-dl (/ˈtaɪ.d(ə)l/ in IPA).

Here is “tidal” used in a sentence: “The harbour is only accessible at high tide because of the tidal currents.”

“Tidal” is an adjective.

“Tidal” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Tidal specifically describes something relating to, caused by, or affected by the tides, such as a tidal river or tidal wave, while coastal simply means located near or relating to the coast in general. A coastal area is not necessarily affected by tides, whereas something tidal is defined by that tidal movement.

A tidal river is one whose water level and flow are affected by the rise and fall of the tides, often for a considerable distance inland from the sea. This distinguishes it from a purely freshwater river unaffected by tidal movement.

A tidal wave, in the strict sense, refers to a wave caused by tidal action, since tidal describes anything relating to or caused by the tides. In everyday usage, however, people often use tidal wave loosely to mean a tsunami, even though a tsunami is actually caused by seismic activity, not tides.