corallite

/kɒˈrælaɪt/

Definitions

1. noun

A single unit of the skeleton of a coral polyp.

“The coral reef was formed by millions of corallites that had built up over time.”

2. noun

A part of a coral colony, typically consisting of a single polyp and its calcareous skeleton.

“Each corallite in the reef had grown into a complex structure over the years.”

Synonyms

  • coral unit
  • polyp

Antonyms

  • non-calcified organism
  • soft tissue