What is the meaning, origin and usage of word ‘Atoll’?

Posted by Keshav Jain on

Meaning: This noun refers to an island consisting of a strip or ring of coral around a central lagoon.

Origin: In use since the 1620s, atoll is said to have been derived from the Malayalam word atolu, meaning reef, which, in turn, is said to be from adal, meaning closing, uniting, etc. The original use was in reference to the Maldives, and the word was popularised in its present form by naturalist Charles Darwin's writings.

Usage:  She's exploring the atoll and taking samples of the marine life there.

Picture Credit : Google 

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