coral

Everyday

1. Coral is a hard, stony material made by tiny sea animals; over many years it builds up into reefs in warm, shallow seas. tree →
2. A coral is one of these tiny animals, or a group of them. tree →
3. Coral is a pinkish-orange colour. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography, coral reefs are home to many fish and sea creatures; the Great Barrier Reef near Australia is the largest. Corals are animals, not plants, and warming seas and pollution harm them (coral bleaching). Phrases: coral reef, coral bleaching, coral island, coral pink.

Examples

• Coral reefs are full of colourful fish. tree →
• The Great Barrier Reef is made of coral. tree →
• Coral is built by tiny animals called polyps. tree →
• Don't touch or break the coral when you snorkel. tree →
• Hot water can turn coral white, which is called bleaching. tree →
• She painted her room coral pink. tree →
• We saw many different corals in the aquarium. tree →
• Its walls are built of coral, and the long, gothic windows are of the clearest amber. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable (made of coral), countable for kinds or single animals (corals). Myth: coral is not a plant or a rock; it is made by animals. Do not confuse with «choral» (sung by a choir), which sounds the same, or «corral» (a fenced area for horses).

In Jewish tradition

A precious red sea material, valued like jewels and traded by merchants.

Interpretation. Wisdom is called more precious than coral and jewels, meaning wisdom outweighs wealth.

Examples

• Wisdom is as unattainable to a fool as corals; he openeth not his mouth in the gate. (Writings PRO.24.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies. (Writings JOB.28.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Aram was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of thy wealth; they traded for thy wares with carbuncles, purple, and richly woven work, and fine linen, and coral, and rubies. (Prophets EZK.27.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable (made of coral), countable for kinds or single animals (corals). Myth: coral is not a plant or a rock; it is made by animals. Do not confuse with «choral» (sung by a choir), which sounds the same, or «corral» (a fenced area for horses).