coral reef

noun

1. a reef composed mainly of coral and other organic matter of which parts have solidified into limestone.

coral reef

noun

1. a marine ridge or reef consisting of coral and other organic material consolidated into limestone

coral reef

1. A mound or ridge of living coral, coral skeletons, and calcium carbonate deposits from other organisms such as calcareous algae, mollusks, and protozoans. Most coral reefs form in warm, shallow sea waters and rise to or near the surface, generally in the form of a barrier reef, fringing reef, or atoll. Coral reefs grow upward from the sea floor as the polyps of new corals cement themselves to the skeletons of those below and in turn provide support for algae and other organisms whose secretions serve to bind the skeletons together. The resulting structure provides a critical habitat for a wide variety of fish and marine invertebrates. Coral reefs also protect shores against erosion by causing large waves to break and lose some of their force before reaching land. The Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast of Australia extends for some 2,000 km (1,240 mi), making it the world's largest coral reef.

coral reef

1. A formation, at or near the surface of tropical waters, formed by skeletal deposits of corals, a form of sea life.

Atolls — ring-shaped islands that nearly or entirely enclose a lagoon — are coral reefs.

Coral reefs form a protective environment for a wide variety of marine animals.

Coral reefs are very sensitive to chemical pollution and changes in temperature and are considered to be in danger from environmental stress.

The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coral reef¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

In a new report, the Aims researchers found the 2024-25 season was the "most severe coral bleaching on record" for WA coral reefs across both the northwestern and central reefs.

From BBC

Leck said some coral reefs around the world are already beyond recovery, warning the Great Barrier Reef could suffer the same fate without ambitious and rapid climate action.

From BBC

While there are some ingredients in suntan lotions - like oxybenzone - that can cause environmental damage to coral reefs, there is not evidence to suggest it poses a risk to humans, Dr McCann says.

From BBC

It's all part of the fourth global bleaching event, which experts say has affected more than 80% of the world's coral reefs.

From BBC

In their enveloping blueness, dotted with colorful fish and coral reefs, the undersea scenes are, in fact, quite meditative.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• atoll 
• beach 
• shoal