Atoll
/ˈætɒl/
nounIntermediateRareGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or group of islands, formed in a lagoon.
/ˈætɒl/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A ring-shaped coral reef or island.
The idyllic atoll was a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.
💡 Simply: A ring-shaped island made of coral.
More Examples
2
Many species of fish inhabit the lagoon within the atoll.
How It's Used
Geography
"The atoll was a breathtaking sight, a circle of emerald green in the vast blue ocean."
Oceanography
"The research team studied the coral growth patterns on the atoll."
From Maldivian atolu, possibly of Sinhala origin.
The word 'atoll' has been used in geographical texts since the 16th century, primarily in descriptions of voyages in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bowl' of coral surrounding a 'hole' (lagoon).
Practice
atolattol
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written