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

/ frĭn′jĭng /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fringing reef¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Thus a barrier reef may be formed by the seaward growth of a fringing reef upon the talus of its sea face.

From Project Gutenberg

The structure of the rocky accumulation in the encircling reefs and in the atolls is essentially the same as in the fringing reef.

From Project Gutenberg

The origin and mode of formation of a fringing reef, such as that just described, are plain enough.

From Project Gutenberg

We had driven on to a small inner reef—a portion, probably, of what was once the fringing reef of the continent.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, you perceive it forms a kind of fringe round the island, and is therefore called a "fringing reef."

From Project Gutenberg