fringing reef

noun

1. a coral reef close to and along the land.

fringing reef

noun

1. a coral reef close to the shore to which it is attached, having a steep seaward edge

fringing reef

1. A coral reef formed close to the shoreline of an island or continent. Fringing reefs usually have a rough, tablelike surface that is exposed during low tide and a steep edge sloping toward the open water.

2. Compare atoll barrier reef

Word History and Origins

Origin of fringing reef¹

First recorded in 1835–45