spring tide Tide of greater range than the mean range; the water level rises and falls to the greatest extent from the mean tide level. Spring tides occur about every two weeks, when the Moon is full or new. Tides are at their maximum when the Moon and the Sun are in the same plane as the Earth. Compare NEAP TIDE.

spring tide A tide of greater than the mean range (i.e. the water level rises markedly above and falls markedly below the mean tide level). Spring tides occur about every two weeks, when the Moon is full or new, and are at their maximum when the Moon and the Sun are in the same plane as the Earth. Compare neap tide.

spring tide / ˈspring ˌtīd/ • n. a tide just after a new or full moon, when there is the greatest difference between high and low water.