rip current

== English == === Etymology === Coined as a more accurate replacement for the earlier term "riptide", as the phenomenon is not related to the tides. === Noun === rip current (plural rip currents) A strong flow of surface water, away from the shore, that returns water from incoming waves. 1995, University of California at Berkeley (editor), The New Wellness Encyclopedia, page 271, A break in the wave pattern or discoloration (usually caused by sand) can help you spot rip currents. It you get caught in one, however, don′t struggle, Swim with it, but angle toward the shore or bank. ==== Synonyms ==== (strong water flow away from shore): rip (Australian, New Zealand), rip tide, riptide ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== undertow