crossword clue coral island – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "crossword clue coral island" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ATOLL: A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets surrounding a lagoon. This is the most common and precise answer for a coral island in crosswords.
More About "crossword clue coral island"
Coral islands are fascinating geological formations, typically found in warm, clear, shallow tropical and subtropical ocean waters. They are formed from the accumulation of skeletal remains of coral polyps and other marine organisms over thousands of years. These islands are often characterized by their low elevation and unique ecosystems, supporting diverse marine life and sometimes specific terrestrial flora and fauna.
The term "coral island" often brings to mind the image of an atoll – a ring-shaped island that encloses a lagoon. Atolls are formed when a coral reef grows upwards around a subsiding volcanic island. As the island sinks, the coral continues to grow, eventually forming a ring with a central body of water where the volcano once stood. This makes 'ATOLL' an exceptionally apt and frequently used answer for this crossword clue.
Understanding the geological and biological context of terms like 'coral island' can be a significant advantage in solving crosswords. Crossword setters often use precise definitions or common associations, and knowing these details helps in quickly identifying the correct word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specificity: Notice if the clue uses a general term (like "island") or a very specific one (like "coral island"). Specificity often points to a precise answer, like ATOLL for coral island.
- Consider Letter Count: Always keep the number of letters in mind. If you have some letters filled in, it helps narrow down possibilities dramatically.
- Think of Synonyms and Related Concepts: Even if the direct answer isn't immediately obvious, think of words associated with the clue. For "coral island", words like "reef", "lagoon", or "tropical" might lead you to the correct answer.
- Check for Wordplay: Sometimes clues involve puns, anagrams, or other forms of wordplay. Always be open to these possibilities, especially with more challenging puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coral island?
A coral island is a type of island formed from the skeletal remains of marine invertebrates called coral polyps, often taking the form of atolls or low-lying cays. These islands are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Why is 'ATOLL' a common answer for 'coral island' in crosswords?
An atoll is specifically a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or chain of islets that nearly or entirely encloses a lagoon. This precise definition makes 'ATOLL' a very direct and frequent fit for the clue 'coral island' in many crossword puzzles.
Are all islands that are formed from coral called atolls?
No, while atolls are a prominent type of coral island, not all coral islands are atolls. Other forms include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and small low-lying islands known as cays or keys, which are also built from coral debris.