Cliff
In geography and geology, a cliff is a vertical, or nearly vertical, rock exposure. Cliffs are formed as erosion landforms by the processes of weathering and erosion. Cliffs are common on coasts, in mountainous areas, escarpments and along rivers. Cliffs are usually formed by rock that is resistant to weathering and erosion. Sedimentary rocks most likely to form cliffs include sandstone, limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Igneous rocks such as granite and basalt also often form cliffs.
An escarpment (or scarp) is a type of cliff, formed by the movement of a geologic fault or landslide, or by differential erosion of rock layers of differing hardness.
Most cliffs have some form of scree slope at their base. In arid areas or under high cliffs, they are generally exposed jumbles of fallen rock. In areas of higher moisture, a soil slope may obscure the talus. Many cliffs also feature tributary waterfalls or rock shelters. Sometimes a cliff peters out at the end of a ridge, with tea tables or other types of rock columns remaining. Coastal erosion may lead to the formation of sea cliffs along a receding coastline.
The Ordnance Survey distinguishes between cliffs (continuous line along the top edge with projections down the face) and outcrops (continuous lines along lower edge).
Cliff (noun)
A vertical (or nearly vertical) rock face.
Bluff (noun)
An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.
“That is only bluff, or a bluff.”
Bluff (noun)
An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than they actually do.
“John’s bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.”
Bluff (noun)
The card game poker.
Bluff (noun)
One who bluffs; a bluffer.
Bluff (noun)
An excuse.
Bluff (noun)
A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
Bluff (noun)
A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.
Bluff (verb)
To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is.
“John bluffed by betting without even a pair.”
Bluff (verb)
To frighten or deter with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate and gain some advantage.
“The government claims it will call an election if this bill does not pass. Is it truly ready to do so, or is it bluffing?”
Bluff (verb)
To take advantage by bluffing.
“We bluffed our way past the guards.”
Bluff (verb)
To fluff, puff or swell up.
Bluff (adjective)
Having a broad, flattened front.
“the bluff bows of a ship”
Bluff (adjective)
Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
Bluff (adjective)
Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
Bluff (adjective)
Roughly frank and hearty in one’s manners.
“a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain”
“abrupt|unceremonious|blunt|brusque”
Cliff (noun)
a steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea
“a coast path along the top of rugged cliffs”
Bluff (noun)
an attempt to deceive someone into believing that one can or is going to do something
“his game of bluff”
“the offer was denounced as a bluff”
Bluff (noun)
a steep cliff, bank, or promontory.
Bluff (noun)
a grove or clump of trees.
Bluff (verb)
try to deceive someone as to one’s abilities or intentions
“the object is to bluff your opponent into submission”
“he’s been bluffing all along”
“they bluffed their way past the sentries”
Bluff (verb)
survive a difficult situation by maintaining a pretence
“there’s no point in trying to bluff it out”
Bluff (adjective)
direct in speech or behaviour but in a good-natured way
“a big, bluff, hearty man”
Bluff (adjective)
(of a cliff or a ship’s bows) having a vertical or steep broad front.