littoral

[ lit-er-uhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the shore of a lake, sea, or ocean.
2. (on ocean shores) of or relating to the biogeographic region between the sublittoral zone and the high-water line and sometimes including the supralittoral zone above the high-water line.
3. of or relating to the region of freshwater lake beds from the sublittoral zone up to and including damp areas on shore. Compare intertidal.

noun

1. a littoral region.

littoral

/ ˈlɪtərəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the shore of a sea, lake, or ocean
2. biology inhabiting the shore of a sea or lake or the shallow waters near the shore

   littoral fauna

noun

1. a coastal or shore region

littoral

/ lĭt′ər-əl /

1. Relating to the coastal zone between the limits of high and low tides. The littoral zone is subject to a wide range of environmental conditions, including high-energy wave action and intermittent periods of flooding and drying along with the associated fluctuations in exposure to solar radiation and extremes of temperature.
2. Compare sublittoral

Word History and Origins

Origin of littoral¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin littorālis, variant of lītorālis “of the shore,” equivalent to lītor- (stem of lītus ) “shore” + -ālis, adjective suffix; -al ¹( def ); Lido ( def ), lido ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of littoral¹

C17: from Late Latin littorālis, from lītorālis, from lītus shore

Example Sentences

The new discoveries will increase the ecological importance of the Mallorca channel seamounts and the littoral caves, providing compelling arguments for the Spanish government to emphasize the need for protection measures.

From Science Daily

The new JL-3 will have a range of 5,400 nautical miles and be able to target portions of the continental United States from Chinese littoral waters.

From Washington Times

Beijing says most of the region is part of its territory, a claim that is hotly disputed by several littoral nations.

From Reuters

Navy warship, the littoral combat ship USS Marinette, was supposed to leave Cleveland on Lake Erie on Monday, but remains stuck.

From Seattle Times

And, surface fleet upgrades are granting the Kim regime increased potential to unleash littoral provocations against South Korea.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• aquatic
• coastal
• deep-sea
• maritime
• naval
• saltwater
• seagoing