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coral reef

/ˌkɔrəl rif/
/ˈkɔrəl rif/
IPA guide

Other forms: coral reefs

Definitions of coral reef
  1. noun
    a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone
    see moresee less
    examples:
    Great Barrier Reef
    the largest coral reef in the world; in the Coral Sea off the northeastern coast of Australia
    types:
    atoll
    an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
    barrier reef
    a long coral reef near and parallel to the shore
    Florida key, cay, key
    a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
    type of:
    reef
    a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
Pronunciation
US
/ˌkɔrəl rif/
UK
/ˈkɔrəl rif/
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