Coral reef Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔrəl ˈriːf/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A shallow-water ecosystem consisting of coral polyps, often found in tropical oceans, which provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life.

Examples

• The coral reef is home to hundreds of species of fish and other marine animals.
• Coral reefs are important natural barriers against storms and coastal erosion.

Etymology

The word “coral” comes from the Latin “corallium”, meaning “berry of the sea”, due to the presence of coral structures resembling berries.

Usage Notes

Coral reef is often used in scientific and environmental contexts, but can also be used in everyday language to refer to recreational areas or tourist destinations.

Cultural References

In the video game “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag”, the player must navigate through a coral reef to escape from danger.

Additional Information

Coral reefs are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate coastal processes, and provide a source of income for millions of people. However, they are facing numerous threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing, which can lead to coral bleaching and reef degradation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• In the neighborhood of

Related Words or Phrases

• Marine
• Ocean
• Coastal

Collocations

• Coral reef conservation
• Coral reef tourism
• Coral reef research

Frequency of Use

Coral reef is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language, but it is frequently used in scientific and environmental contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Koral reef
• Corral reef