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

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

Superflex chose pink marble as an allusion to the coralline algae that coral polyps eat and which tint a reef.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2021

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 flanks of these elevated beds are covered with coralline limestone rocks varying from 100 to 16 ft. in thickness.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various