coralline

American  

[kawr-uh-lin, -lahyn, kor-] / ˈkɔr ə lɪn, -ˌlaɪn, ˈkɒr- /

adjective

1. composed of coral or having the structure of coral.

   coralline limestone.

2. corallike.

3. coral-colored; reddish-yellow; light yellowish-red; pinkish-yellow.

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noun

1. any red algae impregnated with lime.

2. any of various corallike animals or calcareous algae.

coralline British  

/ ˈkɒrəˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. Also: coralloid.  of, relating to, or resembling coral

2. of the colour of coral

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noun

1. any of various red algae impregnated with calcium carbonate, esp any of the genus Corallina

2. any of various animals that resemble coral, such as certain sponges

Etymology

Origin of coralline

First recorded in 1535–45, coralline is from the Late Latin word corallīnus coral red. See coral, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

They found that the disease not only reduces susceptible coral populations but also diminishes crustose coralline algae, the resilient pink crust that is crucial for building reef structure.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2024

Some scientists mistake them for coralline algae, which also form crusts on reefs but help promote growth of the living structures.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 6, 2023

Gelidium flourishes along the wave-battered west coast shore, and varies from sickly yellow clumps to purple coralline fans.

From The Guardian • Oct. 27, 2020

The waterfront is lined with old palazzos of coralline limestone, whose façades were glowing in the dusk.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 27, 2018

“Shall I speak to you of the coralline sea that laves the tree-fringed shores of Africa?”

From Harry Milvaine The Wanderings of a Wayward Boy by Stables, Gordon