coral

noun cor·al \ ˈkȯr-əl , ˈkär- \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of coral

1 a : the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps; especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)

b : a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2 : a piece of coral and especially of red coral

3 a : a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)

b : a deep pink

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coral

adjective

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coralloid

play \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid, ˈkär-\ adjective

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Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples of coral from the Web

The first study notes that heat waves over the ocean have become longer and more frequent over the last century, harming marine life and coral reefs.

— doyle rice, USA TODAY, "Global warming is making ocean heat waves longer, slowing down underwater currents," 11 Apr. 2018
Some souvenir products to avoid in the Caribbean include anything made from sea turtle shells, protected leather, like crocodiles, and coral.

— diane daniel, BostonGlobe.com, "How tourists can help prevent wildlife trafficking and poaching," 20 Mar. 2018
Tropical vacationers know well that the coral reefs of the Caribbean are home to hundreds upon hundreds of unique and gorgeous fish species.

— ryan p. smith, Smithsonian, "How a Team of Submersible-Bound Scientists Redefined Reef Ecosystems," 28 Mar. 2018
Scientists took SoFi for six test runs in coral reefs around the Pacific island of Fiji.

— katie langin, Science | AAAS, "This ‘robofish’ is so realistic, it can film fish without frightening them," 21 Mar. 2018
The SoFi, on the other hand, is soft and small—18.5 inches in length—and darts around other fish and coral reefs without kicking up a fuss.

— sarah toy, WSJ, "If It Looks Like a Fish and Swims Like a Fish, It Might Just Be a Robot," 21 Mar. 2018
Other studies have also indicated dispersants are toxic to wildlife, including fish, crabs and deep-sea coral.

— tristan baurick, NOLA.com, "Dispersants can turn oil spills into toxic mist, research shows," 21 Mar. 2018
Our mission was to study the remote coral reefs of the Pacific.

— orla doherty, Condé Nast Traveler, "‘Blue Planet II’ Producer Orla Doherty on the Dive That Changed Her Life," 8 Mar. 2018
Jade Mountain, a luxury resort in St. Lucia, boasts private infinity pools, coral reefs, and personal butlers for each guest.

— kaitlin menza, Town & Country, "The Bachelor Effect: How the Reality Show Turns Destinations Into Gold," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.