| Name | Meaning |
| Algae | Photosynthetic plants which may be single-celled or multi-celled, some (phytoplankton) float in the water while others (tuff and macroalgae) form clumps or thick carpets on vacant surfaces, others (coralline algae) are encrusting and form a hard veneer on surfaces. |
| Calcareous | Containing calcium carbonate. |
| Fringing reef | A line of reef that is located close to land. |
| Leeward | The side of an island or reef that doesn't face the prevailing winds. |
| Photosynthesis | Process in which energy of sunlight is used by plants to build up complex substances from carbon dioxide and water. |
| Windward | The side of an island or reef that faces the prevailing winds. |
