barrier island
noun
a broadened barrier beach, habitable in places, that provides a measure of protection for the mainland, as during hurricanes and tidal waves.
Words nearby barrier island
barricado,
barrie,
barrier,
barrier beach,
barrier cream,
barrier island,
barrier of ideas,
barrier-nurse,
barring,
barrington,
barrio
Scientific definitions for barrier island
barrier island
[ băr′ē-ər ]
A long, narrow sand island that is parallel to the mainland and serves to protect the coast from erosion. Barrier islands typically have dunes along the exposed outer side, zones of vegetation in the interior, and swampy areas along the inner lagoon.
Cultural definitions for barrier island
barrier island
Any low sandy island that is parallel to the mainland and protects it from storms. (See Cape Hatteras.)
notes for barrier island
Barrier islands normally change location every ten to thirty years, a fact that makes coastline management a major problem in environmental policy.