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Glite Dictionary
madrepore

madrepore

9.9
A hard coral that builds reefs and islands
  • noun
  • /ˈmædrəˌpɔr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : madrepora
  • Scientists study madrepore skeletons to learn about ancient ocean conditions.

Examples

  • The Great Barrier Reef contains a variety of madrepores that are vital to its ecosystem.

  • The madrepore is essential for reef building.

  • Many island formations are the result of massive madrepore colonies over centuries.

  • Many madrepores thrive in warm waters.

  • The underwater exploration revealed a vibrant ecosystem dominated by various madrepore species.

  • Scientists study madrepore to understand how coral reefs are formed and maintained in the ocean.

  • A stone jar was filled with seawater; the madrepore corals were fixed on a large sponge by means of a needle and thread.

Synonyms

coral
vsmadrepore
55 2.6

A small sea animal that makes hard reefs and skeletons used in jewelry

refers specifically to reef-forming animals with hard calcareous skeletons
stony coral
vsmadrepore
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A sea animal that makes a hard skeleton and builds reefs

is the same reef-building group but expressed as the broader label
madriporian coral
vsmadrepore
  • Specialized
9.9

A sea animal with a hard, white skeleton that builds reefs and islands

is the general term used rather than the formal scientific name

Surface Forms

madrepore singular
madrepores plural

Etymology

Madrepore comes from parts like madre ('mother') and pore ('small hole'), creating the image of a 'mother' rock full of tiny holes made by coral. That's why madrepore today means a hard, stony coral whose skeletons help build reefs and islands.