What is coral? Pronunciation and usage in English

coral means . Learn how to pronounce and use coral through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of coral

coralnoun

/ˈkɒrəl/
Definition & pronunciation of coral

The word "coral" is pronounced ** /ˈkɔːrəl / **

Here's a breakdown:

  • ˈkɔːr - This part is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "core" – like the center of an apple. The "a" is a broad, open "ah" sound.
  • əl - This is a very short, unstressed "uhl" sound, almost like you're quick to say it.

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce coral" into Google and tap the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/coral/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some examples of how it's used in a sentence?

Usage and examples with the word coral in English

Let's break down how to use the word "coral" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Coral (as a type of marine animal):

  • What it is: This is the most common understanding. Coral refers to small, colonial marine invertebrates that live in warm, shallow waters and build hard structures (coral reefs).
  • Examples:
    • "The Great Barrier Reef is formed by billions of coral polyps."
    • "Divers explored the vibrant coral gardens."
    • "Coral bleaching is a serious threat to these ecosystems."
    • "Scientists study coral to learn about ocean health."

2. Coral (as a gemstone/color):

  • What it is: Coral can also refer to a reddish-pink to orange-red gemstone formed from the skeletons of marine animals. It's often used in jewelry.
  • Examples:
    • "She wore a necklace with a beautiful piece of coral."
    • “The sunset cast a coral glow over the beach.” (Referring to a reddish-orange tint)
    • "The color of the piece was a lovely, muted coral."

3. Coral (as a color name):

  • What it is: Coral is a specific shade of pinkish-orange. It's often described as a blend of pink and orange.
  • Examples:
    • "She painted her bedroom a delicate coral."
    • “The dress was a vibrant coral hue.”
    • “He chose a coral lipstick for the party.”

4. Coral (as a type of plant – less common):

  • What it is: “Coral” can sometimes refer to a tropical flowering plant, particularly a species of Stapelia. These plants have distinctive, fleshy, often spiky flowers.
  • Example: “The ‘coral flower’ had a strong, musky scent.” (Often referred to as the Carrion Flower)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Definition Examples
Marine Animal Small, colonial marine invertebrates Reefs, polyps, diving, bleaching
Gemstone/Color Reddish-pink to orange-red gemstone/color Jewelry, sunsets, paintings, lipstick
Color Name Pinkish-orange shade Bedrooms, dresses, lipstick
Plant Certain tropical flowering plants Carrion Flower, stinky smell

Tips for Using "Coral" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine which meaning is intended.
  • Be specific: If you are talking about a color, try to describe it more precisely (e.g., “a pale salmon pink” instead of just “coral”).
  • Don’t assume: If you’re unsure, it's better to use a more descriptive word.

Could you tell me a little more about why you're asking about "coral"? Knowing the context of your question (e.g., are you writing a story, studying marine biology, or just curious) will help me give you even more tailored information and examples.

Synonyms for the word coral

Practice with vocabulary coral

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Marine biologists are concerned about the widespread bleaching affecting the vast __________ reefs around the world due to rising ocean temperatures.
  2. Excessive nutrient runoff can lead to an overgrowth of __________, smothering sensitive marine ecosystems and reducing light penetration.
  3. This delicate piece of jewelry features a polished __________ bead, renowned for its vibrant red hue and smooth texture.
  4. Protecting coastal wetlands is crucial for maintaining regional __________ and providing natural barriers against storm surges.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms accurately describes a living marine organism that secretes a hard, calcareous exoskeleton, often forming extensive underwater structures? a) Plankton b) Anemone c) Coral d) Sponge

  2. Select the terms that can appropriately refer to the material or color of certain marine formations. a) Limestone b) Vermilion c) Coral d) Obsidian e) Ochre

  3. The phenomenon of __________ bleaching, where symbiotic algae are expelled, indicates severe environmental stress in marine ecosystems, often linked to rising ocean temperatures. a) Oceanic b) Tidal c) Coral d) Phytoplankton

  4. Which term refers to a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea? a) Estuary b) Lagoon c) Bay d) Gulf

  5. The mutually beneficial relationship between two different species, where both organisms benefit from the association, is known as __________. a) Predation b) Competition c) Symbiosis d) Commensalism

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The vibrant underwater structures provide habitat for countless fish species and protect coastlines from powerful waves. Rewrite: (Start with "The vibrant...")

  2. Original: She adorned her necklace with a striking, reddish-orange stone. Rewrite: (Start with "She adorned...")

  3. Original: The ocean's acidity levels are increasing at an alarming rate, posing a threat to shell-forming organisms. Rewrite: (Start with "The ocean's acidity...")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. coral
  2. algae
  3. coral
  4. biodiversity

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Coral
  2. a) Limestone, b) Vermilion, c) Coral
  3. c) Coral
  4. a) Estuary
  5. c) Symbiosis

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The vibrant coral reefs provide habitat for countless fish species and protect coastlines from powerful waves.
  2. She adorned her necklace with a striking coral stone.
  3. The ocean's acidity levels are increasing at an alarming rate, posing a threat to calcareous organisms.

Comment ()