tidemarks
Rings from waves
Tidemarks are the lines left on a surface showing where water reached its highest level, especially visible on beaches, rocks, or bathtubs.
The term extends to any visible boundary left by receding liquid—a ring in a coffee cup, the edge of a stain on fabric.
Figuratively, tidemarks indicate high points or limits: The tidemarks of her ambition were visible in everything she touched.
Outer covering or frame
- waterlineLevel water reaches
- mooringVessel's secured resting place
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- harborSafe anchorage for ships
dock · pier · ship · vessel · yacht · sailboat · keel · fouling
Peak tidal elevation
- strandlineTide's deposit line
- bathtub ringResidue line in basin
- water's edgeLand-liquid boundary
- shorelineLand-water boundary
littoral · watermark · residue · deposit · rim · ring · mineral deposit
Matter left behind
- ringClosed curve shape
- discolorationAltered surface pigmentation
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
- depositPlace for safekeeping
cleaning · scrubbing · limescale · soap scum · hard water · bleach · scouring · grime
Facts supporting truth
- signMark conveying information
- traceMinute remnant or pursue
- recordPreserved account or achievement
- gaugeStandard of measurement
measure · benchmark · signal · level · boundary · demarcation · historical record · datum
Particles settling in liquid
- strataParallel geological layers
- layersStacked levels or coatings
- depositsMaterial settled or stored
- accumulationCollected mass over time
paleontology · geological · fossil record · sea level change · ice age · erosion · weathering · epoch
hull
Outer covering or frame
harbor · dock · pier · ship · vessel · yacht · sailboat · keel · fouling · barnacles
highwater
Peak tidal elevation
- strandlineTide's deposit line
- bathtub ringResidue line in basin
- water's edgeLand-liquid boundary
shoreline · littoral · watermark · residue · deposit · rim · ring · mineral deposit
residue
Matter left behind
- ringClosed curve shape
- discolorationAltered surface pigmentation
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
deposit · cleaning · scrubbing · limescale · soap scum · hard water · bleach · scouring · grime · watermark
evidence
Facts supporting truth
gauge · measure · benchmark · signal · level · boundary · demarcation · historical record · datum · reference point
sediment
Particles settling in liquid
accumulation · paleontology · geological · fossil record · sea level change · ice age · erosion · weathering · epoch · era
intertidal
Zone between high and low watermarks
- estuaryTidal mixing zone
- mudflatsCoastal areas exposed at low tide
- sandbanksAccumulated sand formations underwater
seashore · coastal · neap · ebb · rockpools · driftwood · flotsam · jetsam
tidemarksspotless
Completely free of marks
immaculate · pristine · unblemished · clean · hygienic