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Littoral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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littoral

[ˈlɪtərəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

coastal area

Relating to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.

Synonyms

coastal, seaside, shoreline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
littoral

Primarily used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in geography, oceanography, or biology, to describe areas related to the shore or the region near the shore.

  • The researchers conducted a survey of the littoral zone to study marine biodiversity.
  • Littoral habitats are crucial for many species of fish and shellfish.
coastal

Generally used to describe areas or regions near or along the coast. It can be used in everyday language and is often found in discussions about geography, climate, and tourism.

  • The coastal cities attract many tourists due to their beautiful beaches.
  • Coastal erosion has been a growing concern due to rising sea levels.
shoreline

Usually refers to the specific line or zone where the land meets the sea. It is often used in contexts discussing geography, erosion, or environmental issues.

  • The community is working on strategies to protect the shoreline from further erosion.
  • Walking along the rocky shoreline, we admired the stunning coastal scenery.
seaside

Commonly used in everyday language to describe places along the coast that are frequented for leisure activities such as vacations or tourism. It often evokes a picturesque or leisurely connotation.

  • We spent our summer vacation at a charming seaside town.
  • The children enjoyed playing in the sand and collecting seashells by the seaside.

Examples of usage

  • The littoral zone is the region where the land and water meet.
  • The littoral vegetation includes plants that thrive in salty environments.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The region of the shore between the limits of high and low tides.

Synonyms

coastal strip, intertidal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
littoral

Used in a more formal or scientific context to describe coastal regions, especially relating to or situated on the shore of a sea or lake.

  • The biologist conducted a study on the littoral zone's diverse marine life.
  • Many species inhabit the littoral areas of tropical regions.
intertidal

Specifically used in an ecological or scientific context to describe the area that is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide.

  • The intertidal zone is rich in biodiversity, with many species adapted to changing conditions.
  • Researchers study the intertidal habitats to understand the effects of climate change.
coastal strip

Often used in a general or geographical context to refer to a narrow section of land that lies along the coastline.

  • Tourists flock to the coastal strip due to its beautiful beaches.
  • The government is investing in the development of the coastal strip for better tourism facilities.

Examples of usage

  • The littoral zone is home to a diverse range of marine life.
  • Many species of shellfish can be found in the littoral region.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'littoral'

The word 'littoral' comes from the Latin word 'litus', meaning 'shore'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to coastal areas or the region between high and low tides.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,934, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.