coralline

American  

[kawr-uh-lin, -lahyn, kor-] / ˈkɔr ə lɪn, -ˌlaɪn, ˈkɒr- /

adjective

1. composed of coral or having the structure of coral.

   coralline limestone.

2. corallike.

3. coral-colored; reddish-yellow; light yellowish-red; pinkish-yellow.

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noun

1. any red algae impregnated with lime.

2. any of various corallike animals or calcareous algae.

coralline British  

/ ˈkɒrəˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. Also: coralloid.  of, relating to, or resembling coral

2. of the colour of coral

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noun

1. any of various red algae impregnated with calcium carbonate, esp any of the genus Corallina

2. any of various animals that resemble coral, such as certain sponges

Etymology

Origin of coralline

First recorded in 1535–45, coralline is from the Late Latin word corallīnus coral red. See coral, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coralline

Some scientists mistake them for coralline algae, which also form crusts on reefs but help promote growth of the living structures.

From Science Magazine ● Nov. 6, 2023

They include small size, which may reduce physiological requirements, and their ability to feed on a variety of food sources, despite preferring a diet of coralline algae.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2023

Gelidium flourishes along the wave-battered west coast shore, and varies from sickly yellow clumps to purple coralline fans.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 27, 2020

The waterfront is lined with old palazzos of coralline limestone, whose façades were glowing in the dusk.

From The New Yorker ● Aug. 27, 2018

The fifth day after sailing from Nukeheva, we approached the north-western clusters of the Society group, and passed a number of low coralline islands, appearing like a raft of upright spars adrift upon the sea.

From Los Gringos Or, An Inside View of Mexico and California, with Wanderings in Peru, Chili, and Polynesia by Wise, H. A. (Henry Augustus)