/ˈkɒɹəl/, /ˈkɔɚɹəl/, /ˈkɔɹəl/
OriginFrom Old French coral (French corail), from Latin corallium, from Ancient Greek κοράλλιον (korállion, “coral”). Probably ultimately of Semitic origin, compare Hebrew גּוֹרָל (goral, “small pebble”), Arabic جَرَل (jaral, “small stone”), originally referring to the red variety found in the Mediterranean. Since ancient times, a common folk etymology, accepted by some earlier scholars, connected the word instead to Ancient Greek κόρη (kórē) (referring to Medusa). Beekes mentions both theories and considers the Semitic one convincing.
- countableAny of many species of marine invertebrates in the class Anthozoa, most of which build hard calcium carbonate skeletons and form colonies, or a colony belonging to one of those species.
- uncountableA hard substance made of the skeletons of these organisms.
- countableA somewhat yellowish orange-pink color; the color of red coral (Corallium rubrum) of the Mediterranean Sea, commonly used as an ornament or gem.
“The coral faded even from her lips, till they were as white as Leo's face, and quivered pitifully.”
- countable, uncountableThe ovaries of a cooked lobster; so called from their color.
- countable, historical, uncountableA piece of coral, usually fitted with small bells and other appurtenances, used by children as a plaything.
“On the very chair which I used to occupy when I was at work Marian was sitting now, with the child industriously sucking his coral upon her lap.”
- not-comparableMade of coral.
- not-comparableHaving the orange-pink color of coral.
- A census-designated place in McHenry County, Illinois, United States.
- A female given name from English.
“"Where are you from originally, Coral?" / "Indiana." / "Lots of Corals out there, I bet." / She hesitated, seemed about to flare, and then smiled instead, showing a little gap between two front teeth.”
Formscorals(plural)