: any of several large branching corals (genus Acropora, especially A. cervicornis) that somewhat resemble antlers

Illustration of staghorn coral

Illustration of staghorn coral

Examples of staghorn coral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While even dying staghorn corals can poke up from reefs like deer antlers from heather, other species, such as brain corals, may protrude less than an inch. airmail.news, 24 Feb. 2024 Palacio said the region saw widespread mortality of elkhorn and staghorn corals, two species that have been the focus of restoration efforts. Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staghorn coral was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near staghorn coral

Cite this Entry

“Staghorn coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staghorn%20coral. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on staghorn coral

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