coral

English

/ˈkɒɹəl/, /ˈkɔɹəl/

noun
Definitions
  • (uncountable) A hard substance made of the limestone skeletons of marine polyps.
  • (countable) A colony of marine polyps.
  • (countable) A somewhat yellowish pink colour, the colour of red coral.
  • The ovaries of a cooked lobster; so called from their colour.
  • (historical) A piece of coral, usually fitted with small bells and other appurtenances, used by children as a plaything.

Etymology

Derived from Old French coral derived from Latin corallium (coral) derived from Ancient Greek κοράλλιον (coral).

Origin

Ancient Greek

κοράλλιον

Gloss

coral

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms