bioherm

English

Etymology

From bio- (“life”) +‎ Ancient Greek ἕρμα (hérma, “sunken rock, reef”).

Noun

bioherm (plural bioherms)

1. (geology) A mass of rock constructed from the remains of marine organisms such as coral or algae, especially in a mound or dome shape.
   • 2022, Thomas Halliday, Otherlands, Penguin, published 2023, page 143:

     Bioherms are built quickly. Over the course of a century, one will rise by up to 7 metres, and expand across the sea floor, following the contours and topology of what already exists.

Derived terms

• biohermal

 

Translations

a mass of rock constructed from the remains of marine organisms such as coral or algae

• Bulgarian: коралов риф m (koralov rif)
• Irish: bith-heirm f
• Italian: bioherma m