coral
|cor/al|
B1
🇺🇸
/ˈkɔːrəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒrəl/
marine skeleton
Etymology
Etymology Information
'coral' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'corallium,' where 'corallium' meant 'coral.'
Historical Evolution
'corallium' transformed into the Old French word 'coral,' and eventually became the modern English word 'coral' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'marine invertebrate skeleton,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hard, stony substance secreted by certain marine coelenterates as an external skeleton, typically forming large reefs in warm seas.
The Great Barrier Reef is made up of coral.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a pinkish-orange color resembling that of coral.
She wore a coral dress to the party.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/13 18:21