at sea

sea  (s)

n.

1. The continuous body of salt water covering most of the earth's surface, especially this body regarded as a geophysical entity distinct from earth and sky.

2. Abbr. S.

a. A tract of water within an ocean.

b. A relatively large body of salt water completely or partially enclosed by land.

c. A relatively large landlocked body of fresh water.

3.

a. The condition of the ocean's surface with regard to its course, flow, swell, or turbulence: a rising sea; choppy seas.

b. A wave or swell, especially a large one: a 40-foot sea that broke over the stern.

4. Something that suggests the ocean in its overwhelming sweep or vastness: a sea of controversy.

5. Seafaring as a way of life.

6. Astronomy A lunar mare.

Idiom:

at sea

1. On the sea, especially on a sea voyage.

2. In a state of confusion or perplexity; at a loss.

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[Middle English see, from Old English s.]

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Includes the following maritime areas: foreign internal waters, archipelagic waters, and territorial seas; foreign contiguous zones; foreign exclusive economic zones; the high seas; and US-exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, and internal waters.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

at sea - perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment; "obviously bemused by his questions"; "bewildered and confused"; "a cloudy and confounded philosopher"; "just a mixed-up kid"; "she felt lost on the first day of school" bewildered, confounded, confused, baffled, mazed, mixed-up, befuddled, bemused, lost perplexed - full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment; "perplexed language"; "perplexed state of the world"