fire coral

noun

: a colonial coralline hydrozoan (genus Millepora) having nematocysts that inflict a painful and burning sting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Poppy, bright orange like blood orange (especially on olive or Asian skin tones), burnt clay, fire coral, yellow, and neons are exciting me, too. Kathleen Hou, The Cut, 7 Mar. 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire coral was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near fire coral

Cite this Entry

“Fire coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20coral. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

fire coral

noun
: a colonial hydrozoan (genus Millepora) resembling coral and having nematocysts that inflict a painful and burning sting
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY