n. & v.
--n.
1. a stretch of sea consisting of a deep inlet with a narrow mouth.
2 (the Gulf) the Persian Gulf.
3 a deep hollow; a chasm or abyss.
4 a wide difference of feelings, opinion, etc.
--v.tr. engulf; swallow up.
Phrases and idioms:
Gulf Stream an oceanic warm current flowing from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland where it is deflected into the Atlantic Ocean.
Etymology: ME f. OF golfe f. It. golfo ult. f. Gk kolpos bosom, gulf