Definition of "coral" []

• A rocklike deposit consisting of the calcareous skeletons secreted by various anthozoans. Coral deposits often accumulate to form reefs or islands in warm seas. (noun)
• Any of numerous chiefly colonial marine polyps of the class Anthozoa that secrete such calcareous skeletons. (noun)
• The red-orange, pinkish, or white deposits secreted by corals of the genus Corallium, used to make jewelry and ornaments. (noun)
• An object made of this material. (noun)
• A deep or strong pink to moderate red or reddish orange. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "_coral stone_, which grows like clustered trees spreading its branches on all sides as is done by real _coral_, to which this stone bears so strong resemblance that it deceives many who are not very skilful respecting the growth and nature of coral."
• "It is clear that climate change will alter many aspects of what we know as coral reefs; what is less clear is exactly how, or what the results will be."
• "Over time, these layers accumulate and grow into what we call coral reefs."