california sea lion
california sea lion Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A highly intelligent, eared seal (Zalophus californianus) native to the Pacific coast of North America, characterized by its sleek brown body, broad front flippers, loud barking vocalizations, and frequent presence in marine park exhibits.
"We watched a playful California sea lion gracefully swimming through the kelp forest exhibit at the aquarium."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with true seals; however, California sea lions have visible external ear flaps, large front flippers, and the ability to rotate their hind flippers to 'walk' on land.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for its primary geographical habitat along the western coast of North America (specifically California), combined with 'sea lion,' a term originally used by explorers who likened the animals' loud barks and the mane-like hair of some related male species to terrestrial lions.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.