We noticed that the word atoll has many people googling for more information about it due to it being a recent Wordle answer that proved quite challenging for players! Let’s do a deeper dive into the meaning of atoll, its official definitions, examples of atolls, and more.
What does Atoll mean in English?
The word Atoll is a noun and used to describe a specific type of island, one which has been surrounded by a ring-shaped coral reef. It was first used in 1625, and its etymology has Indo-Aryan language (Dhivehi) origins from the word “atholhu.”
Atoll Definition (Official)
atoll (noun) a ring-shaped reef, island, or chain of islands formed of coral. (Google)
atoll (noun) a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon (Merriam-Webster)
What is an atoll?
An atoll is a coral reef that is ring-like in its shape and partially or totally encircles a lagoon. Sometimes, an atoll is referred to as a “coral atoll.” They are found in warm tropical and subtropical oceans and seas, which are where corals are able to grow, so many are found in the Pacific Ocean.
Globally, there are 440 atolls, though the majority are found in the Pacific Ocean. The alrgest atoll is the Great Chagos Bank, which is located in the Indian Ocean.
Any dry land by an atoll tends to be small, low-lying with elevations less than 16 feet. (Wikipedia)
How to pronounce Atoll?
The way it is pronounced is ‘bai-oo.’ Here is an audio clip to help:
We hope this has helped you understand what atoll means if you are unfamiliar with the term!