coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

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

coral adjective

coralloid

ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid 

ˈkär-

adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples on the Web

World's largest coral discovered in the South Pacific 00:52 This week, scientists announced the largest coral ever recorded was found in the Solomon Islands during an expedition to study ocean health. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024

Despite the gargantuan size, the coral has never been documented. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024

The world’s coral populations have shrunk by 50% since the 1950s, and global emissions reductions are required to prevent more die-offs—but in the more immediate term, conservation scientists see possibility in super corals to help maintain these rich ecosystems. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

Read more Climate Change How North Korea's Elite Soldiers Could Change Ukraine War This loss causes the coral to lose color and suffer from malnutrition, leaving them susceptible to disease and death. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corallium, from Greek korallion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coral

• brain coral
• coral bells
• coral reef
• coral snake
• elkhorn coral
• fire coral
• red coral
• staghorn coral

Kids Definition

coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps

especially : a richly red coral used in jewelry

b

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

2

: a deep pink

coral adjective