| a coral reef close to and along the land. |
| fring·ing reef (frĭn'jĭng) n. A coral reef formed close to a shoreline. |
fringing reef  (frĭn'jĭng) Pronunciation Key
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. |