fringing reef
noun
a coral reef close to and along the land.
Origin of fringing reef
First recorded in 1835–45
Words nearby fringing reef
fringed polygala,
fringehead,
fringillid,
fringilline,
fringing forest,
fringing reef,
frink,
frio,
frippery,
frippet,
fris.
British Dictionary definitions for fringing reef
fringing reef
noun
a coral reef close to the shore to which it is attached, having a steep seaward edge
Scientific definitions for fringing reef
fringing reef
[ frĭn′jĭng ]
A coral reef formed close to the shoreline of an island or continent. Fringing reefs usually have a rough, tablelike surface that is exposed during low tide and a steep edge sloping toward the open water. Compare atoll barrier reef.