atoll in Maithili মৈথিলী
atoll in English
- atoll⇄atoll, noun.
a ring-shaped coral island or group of islands enclosing or partly enclosing lagoon.
Noun
/ˈætl/ (English)
The word "atoll" is derived from the Maldivian word "atolu," meaning a ring-shaped coral reef or island. The term was adopted into English in the 17th century and has been used to describe coral islands formed by the erosion of volcanic islands.
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Atoll | /ˈætl/ |
| Spanish | Atolón | /aˈto.lon/ |
| French | Atoll | /a.tɔl/ |
| German | Atoll | /aˈtɔl/ |
| Italian | Atollo | /aˈtɔllo/ |
| Portuguese | Atol | /aˈtɔl/ |
| Russian | Атолл (Atoll) | /aˈtɔl/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 环礁 (Huán jiāo) | /xwæn tɕjɑʊ/ |
| Arabic | جزيرة مرجانية (Jazīrat murjāniyyah) | /dʒæˈziːɾɑt murˈdʒɑːnijːæ/ |
| Hindi | एटोल (Eṭol) | /ɛˈtɔl/ |
| Bengali | অ্যাটল (Āṭal) | /ætɔl/ |
| Japanese | 環礁 (Kanshō) | /kanshoː/ |
| Korean | 환초 (Hwanch'o) | /ˈhwa̠nˌt͈ʃʰo/ |
| Turkish | Atol | /aˈtɔl/ |
The pronunciation of "atoll" tends to remain relatively standard across English-speaking regions, with slight regional accents. In regions like the Maldives or the Pacific Islands where atolls are more common, the word may be pronounced with a slightly softer or more local intonation. In non-English languages such as French or Spanish, the pronunciation may emphasize different syllables, such as in Spanish where the second syllable is more prominent: "a-TO-lon."
The term "atoll" has been used in English since the 17th century, though the concept itself dates back much further in the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions, where these types of islands are abundant. Early European explorers used the term to describe the coral formations they encountered, particularly in the Maldives and other tropical regions. Atolls have long been of interest due to their unique ecology and beauty, and they remain an important feature in the study of marine environments and island formation.
Atolls have significant cultural and environmental importance, particularly in regions like the Maldives, the Seychelles, and parts of the Pacific Ocean. In some cultures, atolls are associated with isolation, natural beauty, and resilience. Many island nations rely on the health of their atoll ecosystems for economic and cultural sustenance, through fishing, tourism, and indigenous practices. The fragility of these ecosystems in the face of climate change has made atolls a symbol of environmental vulnerability.
Atolls are a remarkable natural feature formed by the slow, gradual process of coral growth around a sunken volcanic island. Over time, coral polyps build up, creating the ring-shaped structure that characterizes an atoll. These ecosystems host a wide variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and migratory species. Atolls also serve as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from ocean currents and storm surges. However, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes, especially rising sea levels, which threaten their survival. Despite these challenges, atolls remain one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes on Earth, attracting travelers and scientists alike.