breakwater

Meanings

1. A construction in or around a harbour designed to break the force of the sea and to provide shelter for vessels lying inside.
2. A low bulkhead across the forecastle deck of a ship which diverts water breaking over the bows into the scuppers.
3. A wooden or concrete barrier, usually perpendicular to the shore, intended to prevent the movement of sand along a coast.

1. A suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Etymology

From break + water. Compare Dutch breekwater (“breakwater”). Compare firebreak.