礁
reef; submerged rock
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
submerged rock; reef
Often used in nautical contexts to refer to rocks that pose a hazard to ships.
Submerged reefs pose a danger to passing ships.
The ship accidentally hit a submerged rock.
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There are many shells on the rocks near the shore.
The fishermen know all the submerged reefs in this area well.
Waves keep crashing against the rocks by the shore.
noun
coral reef
formalRefers specifically to reefs formed by the accumulated remains of coral polyps, found in warm tropical waters.
Coral reefs are important habitats for marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world's largest coral reef system.
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Various forms of coral reefs are found across tropical waters.
Overfishing will damage the fragile coral reef ecosystem.
Scientists are studying the formation process of coral reefs.