madrepore

noun

mad·​re·​pore ˈma-drə-ˌpȯr How to pronounce madrepore (audio)
: any of various stony reef-building corals (order Madreporaria) of tropical seas that assume a variety of branching, encrusting, or massive forms
madreporian
ˌma-drə-ˈpȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce madrepore (audio)
adjective or noun
madreporic
ˌma-drə-ˈpȯr-ik How to pronounce madrepore (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French madrépore, from Italian madrepora, from madre mother (from Latin mater) + poro pore (from Latin porus) — more at mother

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of madrepore was in 1738

Dictionary Entries Near madrepore

Madreporaria

madrepore

madreporic body

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Madrepore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madrepore. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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