coral
UK: ˈkɒrəl | US: ˈkɔːrəl
n. 1. A hard, calcium-based skeleton secreted by marine polyps, often forming reefs.
n. 2. A pinkish-red color resembling the hue of certain corals.
n. 3. (Archaic) The unfertilized roe of a lobster or crab, used as food.
The word "coral" traces back to the Latin corallium, borrowed from Greek korallion, likely derived from a Semitic root (e.g., Hebrew goral, "pebble"). The Latin cor (heart) influenced its spelling, though the connection is folk-etymological. The term originally referred to the hard, branching structures of marine organisms, later extending to their color.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral ecosystem in the world.
She wore a dress in a delicate shade of coral.
Ancient Romans believed coral had protective properties.
Divers observed vibrant fish swimming among the coral.
The necklace was made of polished red coral beads.