Seal

Definition

"Seal" has multiple meanings across various contexts. It can refer to a device used to join two things together so that they do not come apart and prevent anything from passing between them. It also denotes an aquatic mammal with a streamlined body, flippers, and typically lacking external ears.

Parts of Speech

• ‍‍Noun
• Verb

IPA Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /siːl/
• Respelling: SEEL (with "SEEL" sounding like "feel")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /siːl/
• Respelling: SEEL (similar to American English, with "SEEL" sounding like "feel")

The word "seal" has the same pronunciation in both American and British English, characterized by a long "ee" sound followed by a light "l," making its pronunciation straightforward in both dialects.

Etymology

The word "seal" in the context of a stamp or emblem comes from the Old French "seel," which is derived from the Latin "sigillum," meaning "a sign, mark, seal." The term for the aquatic mammal may derive from the Old English "seolh."

Derivatives

• Sealer (noun)
• Sealing (noun, verb)
• Sealable (adjective)
• Unsealed (adjective)
• Reseal (verb)

Synonyms

• Stamp (for authenticating documents)
• Close (for making something airtight or watertight)
• Pinniped (scientific term for seal animals)

Antonyms

• Open (opposite of making something airtight or watertight)
• Break (opposite of confirming or guaranteeing)
• Unseal (to open something that has been sealed)

Usage

• As a noun: "He broke the seal on the letter."
• As a verb: "They plan to seal the package before shipping."

Related Terms

• Sealant: A substance used to seal something to make it airtight or watertight.
• Wax seal: A seal made by dropping molten wax onto a document and pressing a design into it.
• Earless seal: Another term for a true seal, which lacks external ears.

Detailed Definition

As a Noun

• A device or substance used for sealing: "The plumber applied a seal to the pipe."
• An aquatic, carnivorous mammal, often living in cold seas, characterized by a streamlined body and flippers: "The harbor seal is a common sight along the northern coasts."
• A piece of wax, clay, or other material with an individual design that is used to authenticate or certify a document: "The royal decree was authenticated with the king's seal."

As a Verb

• To close an entrance or container so that nothing can enter or escape: "She sealed the envelope with a kiss."
• To apply a protective coating or closure to something: "We need to seal the deck to protect it from the weather."
• In legal or formal contexts, to conclude, establish, or make secure by applying a seal: "The deal was sealed with a handshake."
• To prevent something from being accessed or seen: "The records were sealed by the court."