Atoll

atoll (ring-shaped coral island)

noun ah-TOL Rare

Origin: from Maldivian via French

Usage Note

Atoll describes a ring of coral enclosing a lagoon, typical of tropical oceans. Used in geography and travel contexts; the plural Atolle is standard. It is a neuter noun in German.

Examples

"Das Atoll bestand aus mehreren kleinen Koralleninseln."

Natural Translation

The atoll consisted of several small coral islands.

Literal Translation

The atoll consisted of several small coral-islands.

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