1. Marine colonial polyp characterized by a calcareous skeleton; masses in a variety of shapes often forming reefs
   "The divers explored the vibrant coral reef teeming with life"
    
2. The hard stony skeleton of a Mediterranean coral that has a delicate red or pink colour and is used for jewellery
   "She wore a necklace made of precious coral";
   - red coral, precious coral
    
3. A variable colour averaging a deep pink
   "She applied coral lipstick to complete her look"
    
4. Unfertilized lobster roe; reddens in cooking; used as garnish or to colour sauces
   "The chef used lobster coral to add colour and flavour to the bisque"

1. Of a strong pink to yellowish-pink colour
   "The coral lipstick perfectly matched her summer dress"

Derived forms: corals

See also: chromatic

Type of: actinozoan, anthozoan, hard roe, opaque gem, pink, roe

Part of: lobster

Encyclopedia: Coral, Michigan