Definition of overfall in English:



  • 1A turbulent stretch of open water caused by the wind blowing against a current, by a strong current or tide over an underwater ridge, or by a meeting of currents.

    • ‘You need very calm surface conditions and a northward current in Jack Sound, but not so strong as to cause turbulent overfalls.’
    • ‘This current is often too strong to swim against, but it's never strong enough to form overfalls on this part of the reef.’
    • ‘Divers should be aware that the whole area is subject to complex and strong tidal streams and heavy overfalls.’
    1. 1.1 A place where surplus water overflows from a dam, pond, etc.