Seal Meaning and Definition
Seal
Pronunciation
/siːl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A marine mammal of the suborder Pinnipedia, characterized by its sleek body, flippers, and eared seal, with a distinctive bark-like call.
Examples
- The seal swam alongside the boat, its curious gaze fixed on the passengers.
- Seals are often found in kelp forests, where they rest and hunt for fish.
Synonyms
- Marine mammal
- Pinniped
Antonyms
- Terrestrial
- Airborne
Additional Information
Seals are divided into two main groups: eared seals and earless seals. Eared seals, such as the harbor seal and the elephant seal, have visible earholes, while earless seals, such as the ringed seal and the bearded seal, do not. Seals are carnivores and feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are highly social creatures, often living in large colonies.
Fur seals and eared seals are often hunted for their fur, which is highly valued for its softness and warmth. Seals are also used in scientific research, particularly in the study of their behavior and physiology.
Etymology
The word “seal” comes from the Old English word “seol”, which referred to the European common seal. The Latin word “phoca”, meaning seal, is also related to the word “seal”.
Usage Notes
The word “seal” is often used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in the fields of marine biology and ecology. It can also be used in figurative contexts, such as in reference to a seal of approval or a seal of confidentiality.
Cultural References
Seals have appeared in various forms of popular culture, including cartoons, films, and literature. For example, the seal is the mascot of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “seal one’s fate” is a common idiom that means to make a decision or take an action that cannot be changed or undone.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases related to “seal” include “sealant”, “sealing”, “sealcoat”, and “seaweed”.
Collocations
Common collocations of “seal” include “seal of approval”, “seal of confidentiality”, “seal of authenticity”, and “seal of quality”.
Frequency of Use
The word “seal” is relatively infrequent in modern language, but it is commonly used in technical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “seal” include “seel”, “seil”, and “seale”.