seal
1 of 2nouna large sea animal with flippers that eats fish, can live on land and in water, and is hunted by humans for its fur
B1Seals are aquatic mammals that belong to the family Phocidae. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, short, stiff fur, and flippers that are specially adapted for swimming in water. Seals are found in both polar and temperate waters and are divided into two groups: the true seals (also called earless seals) and the eared seals (also called sea lions and fur seals). True seals are distinguished by their lack of external ears and their ability to move on land by wriggling along on their bellies. Eared seals, on the other hand, have external ears and are able to walk on all fours using their flippers like legs. Seals are important predators in the marine food chain, feeding on fish, squid, and other marine animals, and they are also hunted by larger predators such as sharks and killer whales.
- The seal lounged lazily on the rocky shore, basking in the warm sunlight.
- Children giggled with delight as they watched seals frolicking in the waves at the aquarium.
- Seals use their flippers to propel themselves through the water with remarkable agility, hunting for fish and other prey.
- The seal's whiskers, called vibrissae, help detect vibrations in the water, aiding in navigation and hunting.
- Seals play a vital role in marine ecosystems as top predators, helping maintain the balance of marine food webs and ecosystems.
a fastener made of a resinous material that is soft when warm, used to close or secure documents, letters, and parcels
- He melted the seal to close the envelope.
- The old letter bore a red wax seal.
- She pressed the seal onto the document carefully.
- The king's seal was recognized throughout the kingdom.
- The package was secured with a decorative seal.
a device engraved to create an impression, used to secure closures or authenticate documents
- The official placed the seal on the certificate.
- Each document must carry the company seal.
- The wax broke, but the seal remained intact.
- Royal seals were used to confirm decrees.
- He collected seals from historical manuscripts.
a fastener designed to create a secure, airtight, or watertight closure
- The jar has a rubber seal to keep it airtight.
- Check the seal on the bottle before opening.
- A proper seal prevents leaks in plumbing.
- The machine's seal failed, causing oil to leak.
- Use a fresh seal when reassembling the container.
a protective coating applied to prevent moisture from penetrating
- The wooden floor was treated with a seal to prevent water damage.
- Apply a seal over the paint for durability.
- The seal on the table made it glossy and smooth.
- Roofers used a waterproof seal on the tiles.
- He added a seal to protect the leather.
a mark or sign indicating approval or high quality
- Products with the seal of approval sell faster.
- Her performance earned the seal of excellence.
- The award bore the seal of recognition.
- The museum displayed items with official seals.
- The seal of approval made the certificate valuable.
a stamp attached to a document to verify authenticity or to close it securely
- The seal prevented forgery.
- A red seal confirmed the document's legitimacy.
- She embossed the seal onto the parchment.
- The certificate had a golden seal in the corner.
- Government papers must carry the seal.
the fur or pelt of a seal, especially the soft underfur
- Hunters sold the seal for its valuable pelt.
- The seal's pile kept it warm in icy waters.
- Seal is used in luxury garments.
- She admired the texture of the seal.
- Craftsmen used seal for decorative items.
a material or device that forms a watertight or airtight barrier between surfaces, preventing leaks and providing proper insulation
- The window has a rubber seal to prevent drafts.
- Apply a seal between the two metal plates.
- The pipe joint requires a tight seal.
- Silicone is often used as a bathroom seal.
- The container's seal ensures food stays fresh.