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seal

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The definition of a seal is a design pressed into wax or a marine mammal that lives and swims in cold waters.

(noun)

An example of seal is a college's official stamp.
An example of seal is a harp seal.

Seal is defined as to close something shut.

(verb)

An example of seal is to lick an envelope and close it.

See seal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a design, initial, or other device placed on a letter, document, etc., as a mark of genuineness or authenticity: letters were, esp. formerly, closed with a wafer of molten wax into which was pressed the distinctive seal of the sender
a stamp, signet ring, etc., or the signet itself, used in making such a design
a wax wafer, piece of paper, etc. bearing the impression of some official design and used as to authenticate a signature or document
1. something that seals, closes, or fastens tightly or securely; specif., a piece of metal, paper, etc. so placed over a lid, cap, etc. that it must be broken before the container can be opened
2. a tight closure, as against the passage of air or water
anything that confirms, authenticates, or guarantees; pledge
an indication; sign; token: a handshake as a seal of friendship
1. any device preventing the passage of gas through a pipe
2. the standing water in the trap of a drainpipe
☆ an ornamental stamp placed on envelopes, packages, etc.: a Christmas seal

Origin: ME seel < OFr < L sigillum, a seal, mark, dim. of signum: see sign

transitive verb

to mark with a seal; fix a seal to
to secure the contents of (a letter, envelope, etc.), orig. by closing with a sealed wax wafer, now usually with mucilage, tape, or a gummed flap
to confirm or authenticate (a document, etc.) by marking with a seal
to attest to or confirm the truth or genuineness of (a promise, bargain, etc.)
to certify as being accurate, exact, of a given size, quality, capacity, etc. by fixing a stamp or seal to
to grant, assign, or designate with a seal, pledge, etc.
to settle, determine, or decide finally or irrevocably: to seal one's fate
1. to close, shut, or fasten with or as with a seal: to seal one's lips
2. to close completely so as to make airtight or watertight
3. to apply a nonpermeable coating to (a porous surface, as of wood) as before painting
Elec. to bring (a plug and jack) into full, interlocking contact
☆ Mormon Ch. to solemnize (a marriage) for eternity in a church rite

Origin: ME selen < OFr seeler < the n.

noun pl. seals or seal

any of two families (Otariidae and Phocidae) of sea carnivores with a doglike head, a torpedo-shaped body, and four webbed feet or flippers: they live in cold or temperate waters and usually eat fish
1. the fur of a fur seal
2. a similar fur used as a substitute for this
leather made from sealskin

Origin: ME sele < OE seolh, akin to OHG selah, prob. < IE base *swelk-, to pull, draw (with reference to the seal's labored movements on land) > L sulcus, furrow

intransitive verb

to hunt seals

☆

noun

a member of a special U.S. Navy combat unit trained for sea, air, or land commando operations

See seal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A die or signet having a raised or incised emblem used to stamp an impression on a receptive substance such as wax or lead.
b. The impression so made.
c. The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user: a monarch's seal.
d. A small disk or wafer of wax, lead, or paper bearing such an imprint and affixed to a document to prove authenticity or to secure it.
Something, such as a commercial hallmark, that authenticates, confirms, or attests.
A substance, especially an adhesive agent such as wax or putty, used to close or secure something or to prevent seepage of moisture or air.
A device that joins two systems or elements in such a way as to prevent leakage.
a. An airtight closure.
b. A closure, as on a package, used to prove that the contents have not been tampered with.
A small decorative paper sticker.

transitive verb sealed, seal·ing, seals seals

To affix a seal to in order to prove authenticity or attest to accuracy, legal weight, quality, or another standard.
a. To close with or as if with a seal.
b. To close hermetically.
c. To make fast or fill up, as with plaster or cement.
d. To apply a waterproof coating to: seal a blacktop driveway.
To grant, certify, or designate under seal or authority.
To establish or determine irrevocably: Our fate was sealed.
Mormon Church To make (a marriage, for example) binding for life; solemnize forever.

Phrasal Verb: seal off To close tightly or surround with a barricade or cordon: An unused wing of the hospital was sealed off.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French seel

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *sigellum

Origin: , from Latin sigillum

Origin: , diminutive of signum, sign, seal; see sek^w-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

sealˈa·ble adjective

noun

Any of various aquatic carnivorous mammals of the families Phocidae and Otariidae, found chiefly in the Northern Hemisphere and having a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and limbs that are modified into paddlelike flippers.
The pelt or fur of one of these animals, especially a fur seal.
Leather made from the hide of one of these animals.

intransitive verb sealed, seal·ing, seals seals

To hunt seals.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English sele

Origin: , from Old English seolh

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