Coral
/ˈkɔːr.əl/noun
A hard, stony substance formed from the skeletons of marine polyps, often used in jewelry and decoration.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, coral was believed to ward off evil spirits and was often used in amulets for protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to grow, to create (often associated with the idea of life and creation)”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κορᾶλόν (koralon)
“a precious sea substance, often used in decorative arts”
Latin
Latin
corallium
“the name for coral, emphasizing its value and beauty in trade”
Middle English
Middle English
coralle
“the English adaptation referring to the marine substance used in jewelry and decoration”
Modern English
English
coral
“the widely recognized term for the stony marine substance, often linked with beauty and protection”