atoll
UK[ˈætɒl]US[ˈætɔːl]
n
a ring-shaped coral reef or string of islands surrounding a lagoon.
Etymology
the word 'atoll' entered english in the early 17th century from maldivian, an indo-aryan language spoken in the maldives. it derives from the maldivian word 'atoḷu', which refers specifically to the characteristic ring-shaped coral islands of the region. european explorers adopted the term to describe this distinct geographical feature encountered in the indian and pacific oceans. its journey into english exemplifies how specific local terminology can become the standard international scientific term for a natural phenomenon.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the small plane offered a breathtaking view of the turquoise lagoon within the atoll.
scientists are studying the resilience of the atoll's ecosystem to climate change.
many pacific atolls are threatened by rising sea levels.