coralline

1 of 2

noun

cor·​al·​line ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlīn How to pronounce coralline (audio)
ˈkär-
1
: a coralline red alga
2
: a bryozoan or hydroid that resembles a coral

coralline

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or resembling coral
2
: of, relating to, or being any of a family (Corallinaceae) of calcareous red algae

Examples of coralline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This small island in the southern Philippines is known for its unique pink coralline sand. Steven Casale, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2023 As a part of its project in Mexico, Reefy is testing a similar paint, this one aimed at coralline algae. WIRED, 28 Mar. 2023 There are other species which act as calcifiers, adding to the carbonate foundation (such as crustose coralline algae). Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2016 Underwater, a calcified algae called crustose coralline algae in a lighter shade of red helps promote coral reef formation. Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2022 Ritson-Williams has found that while larvae like to settle near some species of coralline algae, other species inhibit larval growth. Michelle Nijhuis, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2018 Weightless amidst the invisible push and pull of the current, pink coralline algae hung closely to rock surfaces or branched skyward against sporadic patches of neon green and glimmering iridescence. Andria Greene, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2022 The Chagossians took a launch to Île du Coin, where three of the group had been born, and waded onto the smooth, coralline sand. Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 15 June 2022 Each monument had a different articulation and construction, and the exteriors were often hard coralline limestone, while softer globigerina limestone use used for a more delicate and ornate interior. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 8 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coralline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, from feminine of corallin coral-like, from Middle French, from Late Latin corallinus, from Latin corallium

First Known Use

Noun

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coralline was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near coralline

Cite this Entry

“Coralline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coralline. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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