[ mə'ri:n ]
■ adjective
1》 relating to or produced by the sea.
2》 relating to shipping or naval matters.
■ noun a member of a body of troops trained to serve on land or sea, in particular (in the UK) a member of the Royal Marines or (in the US) a member of the Marine Corps.
Phrases
tell that to the ~s a scornful expression of disbelief. [referring to the horse ~s , an imaginary corps of cavalrymen employed to serve as ~s (thus out of their element).]
Origin
ME: from OFr. marin , ~ , from L. marinus , from mare 'sea'.