Atol

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A ring-shaped coral island with a lagoon in its center, found typically in tropical ocean regions
2. An island formed by coral growth in a circular or oval pattern, enclosing a shallow body of water
3. A coral formation shaped like a ring that encloses a central lagoon and rises from deep ocean waters

Etymology: Spelled "atol," this is most likely a variant of "atole," a warm, thin drink of ground corn that is still common in Mexico and Central America. It comes from Nahuatl "atōlli," the name the Mexica and their neighbors gave to maize gruel, which Spanish speakers adopted after the conquest of the Aztec empire. The drink is made by simmering masa, or corn dough, in water or milk and sweetening it, often with piloncillo, a raw cane sugar. Chocolate, vanilla, or fruit flavors are common additions. The English word "atoll," a ring-shaped coral island, is unrelated. It was borrowed from Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives, where a similar word refers to the island formations found there.