Definition of coast

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< coarsen

coaster >

coast    (kst) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. Land next to the sea; the seashore.
   2. Coast The Pacific Coast of the United States.
2. A hill or other slope down which one may coast, as on a sled.
3. The act of sliding or coasting; slide.
4. Obsolete The frontier or border of a country.

VERB:
coast·ed, coast·ing, coasts
VERB:
intr.

1. 1. To slide down an incline through the effect of gravity.
   2. To move effortlessly and smoothly. See Synonyms at slide.
2. To move without further use of propelling power.
3. To act or move aimlessly or with little effort: coasted for a few weeks before applying for a job.
4. Nautical To sail near or along a coast.

VERB:
tr.
Nautical

To sail or move along the coast or border of.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English coste, from Old French, from Latin costa, side; see kost- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
coastal  (kstl) KEY (Adjective)