coral reef

American  

noun

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

---

coral reef British  

noun

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

---

coral reef Scientific  

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 Cultural  

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

---

Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of coral reef

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

"Local, regional and global economies rely heavily on the health of natural systems, such as coral reefs, but we often take them for granted," said Joshua Tewksbury, the director of STRI.

From Science Daily

A study published on Tuesday showed that more than half of the world's coral reefs were bleached between 2014-2017 -- a record-setting episode now being eclipsed by another series of devastating heatwaves.

From Barron's

They include the rainforests of the Amazon and the Congo basin, the boreal forests of Russia and Canada, the coral reefs and mangroves of South East Asia, and the Himalayas.

From BBC

Over time, these tiny organisms reshaped the planet in enormous ways, including helping fill the atmosphere with oxygen and creating structures as durable as coral reefs.

From Science Daily

By allowing these fish stocks to rebuild, researchers say coral reefs could help address hunger on a global scale.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• atoll
• beach
• shoal