coral reef
A coral reef is a large underwater structure made from the skeletons of small sea animals called corals. They are usually found in warm, shallow parts of the ocean and provide a home for many types of fish.
Examples
3 of 5We saw many colorful fish swimming around the coral reef.
We saw many colorful fish swimming around the coral reef.
The protection of the coral reef is a priority for the local government.
The protection of the coral reef is a priority for the local government.
The coral reef near our hotel is amazing for snorkeling.
The coral reef near our hotel is amazing for snorkeling.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Rainforest' under the sea. Both 'Rainforest' and 'Reef' start with R and are full of diverse life.
Quick Quiz
The ______ is home to thousands of different sea animals.
Correct!
The correct answer is: coral reef
Examples
We saw many colorful fish swimming around the coral reef.
everydayWe saw many colorful fish swimming around the coral reef.
The protection of the coral reef is a priority for the local government.
formalThe protection of the coral reef is a priority for the local government.
The coral reef near our hotel is amazing for snorkeling.
informalThe coral reef near our hotel is amazing for snorkeling.
Researchers are investigating the impact of rising temperatures on the coral reef.
academicResearchers are investigating the impact of rising temperatures on the coral reef.
The travel company promotes sustainable tours to the Great Barrier coral reef.
businessThe travel company promotes sustainable tours to the Great Barrier coral reef.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the Great Barrier Reef
the Great Barrier Reef
reef-safe sunscreen
reef-safe sunscreen
save the reefs
save the reefs
Often Confused With
A rock is a non-living mineral, whereas a coral reef is a biological structure built by living organisms.
Usage Notes
Use 'coral reef' to refer to the entire structure or ecosystem. It is a countable noun, so you can speak about 'reefs' in the plural.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use just 'coral' when they mean the whole structure. While 'coral' is the material, the 'reef' is the location or landform.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Rainforest' under the sea. Both 'Rainforest' and 'Reef' start with R and are full of diverse life.
Word Origin
'Coral' comes from the Greek 'korallion', and 'reef' comes from the Old Norse 'rif', meaning a ridge or a rib.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Coral reefs are often called 'the rainforests of the sea' due to their high biodiversity and importance to global health.
Quick Quiz
The ______ is home to thousands of different sea animals.
Correct!
The correct answer is: coral reef
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
rainforest
A1A thick forest in a tropical area that receives a large amount of rain throughout the year. It is a dense habitat known for having many different types of plants and animals.
tundra
A1A large, flat area of land in very cold parts of the world, such as the Arctic. In this area, the ground is frozen and there are no trees, only small plants like moss.
wetland
A1A wetland is an area of land that is always wet or covered with shallow water. It is a very important place where many different plants and animals, like birds and frogs, live.
vegetation
A1Vegetation refers to all the plants and trees that grow in a particular area. It is used to describe the green cover of the earth, like forests or grass.
foliage
A1Foliage refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, considered as a group. It is often used to describe the overall appearance and mass of greenery in a landscape or forest.
canopy
A1A canopy is a cover that hangs over something, like a bed or a seat, to provide shade or protection. In nature, it is the top layer of a forest where the branches and leaves of tall trees meet to form a roof.
photosynthesis
A1Photosynthesis is the natural process that green plants use to make their own food. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy and release oxygen into the air.
pollination
A1Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another to help plants make seeds and fruit. This is usually done by insects like bees or by the wind.
seedling
A1A seedling is a very young plant that has just started to grow from a seed. It usually has a small green stem and its first few tiny leaves.
sapling
A1A sapling is a very young tree with a thin trunk. It is the stage of growth after a seed sprouts but before it becomes a large, mature tree.
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