seal

si:l

sil

/siːl/

Definition & Meaning of "seal"in English

Seal

NOUN

a large sea animal with flippers that eats fish, can live on land and in water, and is hunted by humans for its fur

What is a "seal"?

Seals 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.

Examples

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.

a fastener made of a resinous material that is soft when warm, used to close or secure documents, letters, and parcels

Examples

He melted the seal to close the envelope.

The old letter bore a red wax seal.

a device engraved to create an impression, used to secure closures or authenticate documents

Examples

The official placed the seal on the certificate.

Each document must carry the company seal.

a fastener designed to create a secure, airtight, or watertight closure

Examples

The jar has a rubber seal to keep it airtight.

Check the seal on the bottle before opening.

a protective coating applied to prevent moisture from penetrating

Examples

The wooden floor was treated with a seal to prevent water damage.

Apply a seal over the paint for durability.

a mark or sign indicating approval or high quality

Examples

Products with the seal of approval sell faster.

Her performance earned the seal of excellence.

a stamp attached to a document to verify authenticity or to close it securely

Examples

The seal prevented forgery.

A red seal confirmed the document's legitimacy.

the fur or pelt of a seal, especially the soft underfur

Examples

Hunters sold the seal for its valuable pelt.

The seal's pile kept it warm in icy waters.

a material or device that forms a watertight or airtight barrier between surfaces, preventing leaks and providing proper insulation

Examples

The window has a rubber seal to prevent drafts.

Apply a seal between the two metal plates.

to seal

VERB

to finalize a contract, deal, or agreement

conclude

Transitive: to seal a contract or deal

Examples

After weeks of negotiations, the two parties finally sealed the business partnership.

The real estate agent helped the buyers and sellers seal the deal on the purchase of the property.

to close or secure something tightly to prevent access

plug

Transitive: to seal sth

Examples

She used a hot iron to seal the envelope, ensuring its contents would remain confidential.

The glass jar was sealed with a metal screw-on cap to maintain the quality and longevity of its contents.

to affix a piece of wax or lead stamped with a distinctive design onto a document

Transitive: to seal a document

Examples

The royal decree was sealed with the monarch's official seal, signifying its authenticity and authority.

The notary public sealed the legal document with their official seal, certifying its validity and legality.

to apply a protective coating or finish to a surface

Transitive: to seal a surface

Examples

The contractor sealed the concrete floor with a waterproof sealant to prevent water damage and staining.

After applying the wood stain, the craftsman sealed the surface with a clear varnish.

to close, fasten, or secure something tightly or airtight using a sealant, adhesive, or other means to prevent the passage of air, water, or other substances

Transitive: to seal sth

Examples

Before shipping, they had to seal the package with tape.

Frustrated with the leak, they needed to seal the crack in the pipe.

to engage in the activity of hunting seals

Intransitive

Examples

The indigenous tribe traditionally seals during the winter months to sustain their livelihood.

The Inuit community seals for food and fur, respecting their ancient customs and practices.

SEAL

/sˈiːl/

SEAL