coral

The definition of coral is a hard skeleton left behind by marine polyps that often forms a larger structure like a reef or an atoll.

Facts About Coral Reefs

The oldest coral reefs known are Hawaiian reefs which are an estimated 4,265 years old.
Coral has been called the oldest living organism with a skeleton on the planet.

(noun)

An example of coral is the white hard part of a reef.
An example of coral is the pinkish-orange colored hard shell shaped like a twig used to make jewelry.

Coral is defined as a pinkish-orange color.

(noun)

An example of coral is the Elizabeth Taylor rose.

See coral in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the hard, stony skeleton secreted by certain marine polyps (class Anthozoa) and often deposited in extensive masses forming reefs and atolls in tropical seas
any such polyp (esp. order Scleractinia) living singly or in large colonies
a piece of coral, esp. the red kind used in jewelry
the mature ovaries of the lobster
a yellowish red or yellowish pink
also called coral red or coral pink

Origin: OFr < L coralium < Gr korallion < ? Heb gōrál, pebble or Ar garal, small stone

adjective

See coral in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A rocklike deposit consisting of the calcareous skeletons secreted by various anthozoans. Coral deposits often accumulate to form reefs or islands in warm seas.
b. Any of numerous chiefly colonial marine polyps of the class Anthozoa that secrete such calcareous skeletons.
c. The red-orange, pinkish, or white deposits secreted by corals of the genus Corallium, used to make jewelry and ornaments.
d. An object made of this material.
A deep or strong pink to moderate red or reddish orange.
The unfertilized eggs of a female lobster, which turn a reddish color when cooked.

adjective

Of a deep or strong pink to moderate red or reddish orange.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin corallium

Origin: , from Greek korallion

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